Mid-Autumn Festival: A Time for Reunion!

Deep News
09/27

The Mid-Autumn Festival represents the most poetic season of the year. Under a cloudless sky and pristine earth, the bright moon hangs before the pavilion, accompanied by golden autumn winds and cool jade dew. On this Mid-Autumn night, when the sky is high and the moon is full, everyone gazes at the bright moon, wondering whose heart the autumn longing touches.

**Origins of Mid-Autumn Festival**

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, Autumn Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, or Reunion Festival, falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is called "Mid-Autumn" because it occurs precisely in the middle of the three autumn months. The festival began in the early Tang Dynasty, flourished during the Song Dynasty, and by the Ming and Qing dynasties, had become one of China's major traditional festivals alongside the Spring Festival. On May 20, 2006, it was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage.

There are various theories about the festival's origins. The term "Mid-Autumn" first appeared in "Zhou Li," and "Li Ji·Yue Ling" states: "In the mid-autumn month, care for the elderly and provide porridge and food."

The Mid-Autumn Festival has long featured customs such as moon worship, moon gazing, moon prayers, eating mooncakes, appreciating osmanthus flowers, and drinking osmanthus wine. These traditions continue today. The festival uses the full moon to symbolize family reunion, expressing longing for hometown and loved ones while praying for abundant harvests and happiness. It has become a rich and precious cultural heritage. The Mid-Autumn Festival, along with the Dragon Boat Festival, Spring Festival, and Qingming Festival, forms China's four major traditional festivals.

**Understanding the Moon**

Can we see the entire moon?

Actually, people on Earth can only see the front side of the moon. This phenomenon occurs because the moon is "tidally locked" to Earth. While the moon orbits Earth, it also rotates on its axis at the same rate, meaning the same side always faces Earth.

This tidal locking is related to gravitational forces. Earth's tidal forces affect the moon's shape slightly, keeping it locked in this position. Therefore, the moon always shows us only one face, remaining mysteriously "half-hidden behind a lute."

**Is There Really a Moon Palace?**

According to Chinese mythology, the moon houses Chang'e, the Jade Rabbit, and the Guanghan Palace. While these are mythological, China has made them real in a sense through space exploration.

On October 5, 2015, four lunar geographical features in the Chang'e-3 landing area were officially named. The 77-meter area explored by the Chang'e-3 lander and Yutu rover was named "Guanghan Palace," with three nearby craters named "Ziwei," "Tianshi," and "Taiwei."

On February 4, 2019, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved five lunar geographical feature names near the Chang'e-4 landing site: Tianhe Base, Zhinü, Hegu, Tianjin, and Taishan. This marked another important application of China's lunar exploration data in lunar geographical naming.

Currently, 27 lunar geographical features bear Chinese names approved by the IAU, reflecting China's achievements in lunar exploration and scientific research, demonstrating the country's comprehensive strength and technological development level.

**Classical Poetry About the Moon**

**"Drinking Alone Under the Moon"** by Li Bai (Tang Dynasty) Among the flowers, a pot of wine, I drink alone, no friend with me. I raise my cup to invite the bright moon, With my shadow, we become three. The moon doesn't know how to drink, My shadow just follows my body. Temporarily accompanied by moon and shadow, Joy must be seized while it's spring. I sing, and the moon lingers, I dance, and my shadow scatters. When sober, we share happiness, When drunk, we part ways. Forever bound in emotionless friendship, We'll meet again in the distant Milky Way.

**"Gazing at the Moon, Thinking of Distant Ones"** by Zhang Jiuling (Tang Dynasty) A bright moon rises over the sea, We share this moment though worlds apart. Lovers complain of the long night, Rising with yearning through the evening. Extinguishing candles, I cherish the full light, Putting on clothes, I feel the dew's moisture. Unable to give you a handful of moonlight, I return to bed, dreaming of our meeting.

**"Water Melody - When Will the Bright Moon Appear"** by Su Shi (Song Dynasty) When will the bright moon appear? Wine cup in hand, I ask the blue sky. I wonder what year it is tonight In the heavenly palace above. I wish to ride the wind and return there, Yet fear the crystal towers and jade halls Would be too cold in those heights. Rising to dance with my clear shadow, How can it compare to being in the human world?

Turning past vermillion pavilions, Lowering through silk-curtained windows, Shining on the sleepless. There should be no regret— Why does it always become full when we part? People experience joy and sorrow, separation and reunion, The moon has its dark and bright phases, fullness and crescent, This has been difficult to perfect since ancient times. I only wish for longevity, So we can share the beautiful moon across thousands of miles!

**Mid-Autumn Festival**

No matter where we are, Everyone carries in their heart The most beautiful hometown moon. At this moment, Whom do you miss most? What about your hometown lingers in your memory? What is the most unforgettable taste of Mid-Autumn?

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