Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th of August, remember: 3 customs, 4 taboos.
"The moon shines brightest over the hometown, and homesickness grows stronger. Though separated by thousands of miles, the yearning for home deepens. Every year on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the bright moon hangs high in the sky, its scattered light falls upon the earth, and people, often busy with their daily lives, can finally pause to gather with their families and enjoy this joyous moment of reunion. At this moment, the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival is infinitely magnified. Originally, it was just a festival to celebrate the harvest and give thanks to nature, but it has gathered more and more love over time, becoming a warm occasion for expressing longing and wishing for reunion."
"It is precisely this that gives the Mid-Autumn Festival its unique charm, making it a beloved celebration throughout the ages. Over time, it has fostered and passed down a rich and diverse folk culture. Due to the significance people attach to it, the Mid-Autumn Festival also comes with a number of taboos. On the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, while enjoying the happiness of family reunion, don't forget to follow the '3 customs and 4 taboos,' respecting the old traditions and welcoming good fortune into your home."
It is precisely this unique charm that has made the Mid-Autumn Festival beloved throughout history. Over the ages, it has inspired and passed down a rich and colorful folk culture. Due to people's reverence, the Mid-Autumn Festival also carries a number of taboos. On the 15th of August in the lunar calendar, as you enjoy the happiness of reunion with your family, don't forget to follow the "3 customs and 4 taboos," respect old traditions, and welcome good fortune to your home.
Three customs:
- Worshiping the Moon
The Mid-Autumn Festival originated in the pre-Qin period and took its final shape during the Tang Dynasty. It began because people worshipped celestial phenomena, choosing to offer sacrifices to the moon during the autumn equinox. However, because the moon might not always be visible or full during the equinox, the worship was gradually moved to the 15th of August, a night when the moon is full. Thus, the most important custom of the Mid-Autumn Festival is moon worship, also known as "bai yue" (拜月).
Worshiping the moon signifies respect for the Moon Goddess. The ceremony usually takes place on the night of the 15th of August, with an altar set up either at home or in the courtyard. A table is prepared with a plaque for the Moon Goddess, offerings like mooncakes and fruits are placed, and then, facing either the plaque or directly towards the moon, people perform ritual bowing, praying for blessings and protection from the Moon Goddess.
- Eating Mooncakes
"Small cakes are like chewing on the moon, filled with pastry and sweet fillings." Eating mooncakes is an indispensable part of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Initially, mooncakes were simply offerings for the moon worship, but during the Ming Dynasty, it became popular among the people to taste mooncakes during the festival. Over time, mooncakes gradually became a symbol of family reunion and happiness. Today, whether in the south or the north of China, mooncakes have become a must-eat festive food in every household.
However, the types of mooncakes and preferred fillings differ between the north and the south. In the north, traditional flavors like five-nut mooncakes, date paste, and red bean paste are more popular. In the south, Cantonese-style mooncakes with salted egg yolk and lotus seed paste, Hong Kong-style custard mooncakes, Suzhou-style savory meat mooncakes, and Yunnan ham mooncakes are more favored. Of course, there are also some unique varieties, such as the milk-skin mooncakes popular in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, and the traditional hollow mooncakes from Shanxi.
- Playing with Lanterns
When the full moon rises during Mid-Autumn, it feels somewhat similar to the Lantern Festival on the 15th of the first lunar month. As such, lanterns have become one of the central themes of Mid-Autumn folk activities. However, unlike the nationwide large-scale lantern festivals during the Lantern Festival, Mid-Autumn lantern activities are more often played within families and among children in many regions.
In areas near rivers, people may release beautiful lanterns to float downstream for fun. For example, in Hongcun, Anhui, there are special lantern parades, while in Nanning, Guangxi, adults and children make simple lanterns out of paper and bamboo, including pomelo lanterns, pumpkin lanterns, and harvest lanterns. Additionally, in Foshan, Guangdong, the Mid-Autumn Festival hosts the Autumn Color Festival, where various kinds of colorful lanterns can be seen, such as shavings lanterns, fish-scale lanterns, straw lanterns, and bird-and-beast lanterns.
Four Taboos:
- Men should not worship the moon
In traditional Chinese culture, there has always been a distinction between "yin" and "yang." The sun and men are associated with "yang," while the moon and women correspond to "yin." Therefore, the traditional custom of worshiping the moon (moon sacrifices) has long been considered an activity suitable only for women. It is also commonly believed that the Moon Goddess is female, and if men, who are filled with "yang" energy, worship the moon during Mid-Autumn, it could offend the Moon Goddess. Over time, this belief led to the saying "men should not worship the moon."
- The weak should avoid moon-gazing
The moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival is particularly full and bright, and people generally go outdoors to admire it after the family feast. However, individuals who are physically weak or in poor health should avoid going outside to gaze at the moon.
This is because the Mid-Autumn Festival usually falls during the cool mid-autumn period, especially in northern regions where the evening chill can be quite intense. Historically, it has been believed that the full moon on this night brings heavy "yin" energy. For those with weaker constitutions, staying outside for extended periods in the cool night air can allow this cold and "yin" energy to enter the body, which is not beneficial for health and can lead to worsening conditions.
- Avoid giving gifts in odd numbers
Exchanging gifts is also one of the customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is said that since the Ming Dynasty, people have been exchanging mooncakes and fruits on this day. Today, the custom of giving festival gifts during Mid-Autumn has become even more popular. However, there are certain taboos to observe when giving gifts, the most important of which is to avoid giving gifts in odd numbers.
- Avoid arguments
As the saying goes, "Avoid arguments during Mid-Autumn, but not quarrels throughout the year." The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions, and it should be a joyful and harmonious occasion with everyone coming together. If arguments or disputes arise over trivial matters, it can ruin the festive atmosphere and make others feel uncomfortable if they are present. Therefore, it's important to keep emotions stable during the festival and to understand each other within the family. Cherish the time spent together and avoid letting minor disagreements harm relationships.