中秋节起源英文翻译（The Beginnings of the Mid-Autumn Festival）

The Beginnings of the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Tradition of Family Reunions

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time for families to reunite and celebrate together. The festival takes place on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the full moon is said to be the brightest and roundest of the year. This tradition dates back over 3,000 years to the Zhou Dynasty when people would offer sacrifices to the moon to thank it for harvests and pray for good fortune.

The Legend of Chang'e

One of the most popular legends associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the story of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess. According to the legend, a long time ago, there were ten suns in the sky, causing great hardship for the people below. A hero named Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns, saving the people from certain disaster. As a reward, the Queen Mother of the West gave Hou Yi an elixir of immortality. However, he did not want to leave his beloved wife, Chang'e, behind, so he gave the elixir to her for safekeeping. One day, while Hou Yi was away hunting, a greedy apprentice broke into their home and demanded that Chang'e give him the elixir. In desperation, Chang'e drank the elixir and flew to the moon where she became a goddess. It is said that Hou Yi missed his wife so much that he would gaze at the moon every night, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated to commemorate his love for Chang'e.

The Traditional Customs

The Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated in many different ways over the centuries, but some customs have remained popular throughout the generations. These include eating mooncakes, which are round pastries with a sweet filling, lighting and releasing lanterns, and performing dragon dances to ward off evil spirits. Children also enjoy playing with brightly colored pomelo lanterns and solving lantern riddles, while lovers take romantic walks under the full moon.In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival is an important traditional holiday in China and many other countries in Asia. It is a time to cherish family unity and express gratitude to the moon for its mystical powers. The festival is a testament to the rich history and culture of China and is a source of pride for people of Chinese descent all over the world.