Three Origins of Mid Autumn Festival Legends

Besides summer, autumn is one of the seasons filled with vibrant festivals. As the last season before winter, it often becomes a time of joy and celebration. Among the most famous is the Mid Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival. It is celebrated in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, where cities come alive with large dragon-shaped lanterns and flowers floating along rivers. Aside from admiring these giant lanterns, the festival would not be complete without its signature treat—delicious mooncakes.

The Story of the Mid Autumn Festival

Commonly called Zhong Qiu Jie, the Mid Autumn Festival has a long history, developing over centuries. It was an important celebration during the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and is second only to the Chinese New Year in popularity. There are three well-known legends associated with this festival:

1. The Moon Goddess

Long ago, there was a hero named Hou Yi, known for his extraordinary strength. He climbed Kunlun Mountain and shot down nine of the ten suns to save the people, earning their admiration. Hou Yi later married a beautiful woman named Chang’e.

One day, Hou Yi was given the Elixir of Immortality by the Heavenly Emperor. While Hou Yi entrusted the potion to his wife, one of his students, Peng Meng, tried to steal it. To protect it, Chang’e drank the elixir herself, rising to the heavens and becoming the Moon Goddess. Heartbroken, Hou Yi placed her favorite fruits and incense under the moon, and others soon followed. This marked the beginning of the tradition of honoring the Moon Goddess during the festival.

2. Wu Gang and the Osmanthus Tree

According to legend, a man named Wu Gang was punished by the gods for violating celestial rules. His punishment was to cut down an enormous Osmanthus tree that grew on the moon. However, every time he struck it, the tree would heal itself. For thousands of years, Wu Gang has been endlessly chopping, symbolizing perseverance without end.

3. Zhu Yuanzhang and the Mooncakes

The tradition of eating mooncakes is said to have begun during the Yuan Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang, a rebel leader against the Mongol government, needed a way to secretly spread the plan for a coordinated uprising. His advisor suggested hiding messages inside mooncakes. The plan succeeded, leading to victory over the Yuan rulers. From then on, mooncakes became an essential part of the festival, symbolizing unity and resistance.

Mid Autumn Festival Traditions

Today, the Mid Autumn Festival is more than just a cultural event—it is a cherished time for family gatherings. Many people enjoy a three-day holiday, allowing them to spend quality time with loved ones. As evening falls, families light lanterns, share mooncakes, and sit under the night sky, enjoying the glow of the full moon.

Mooncakes are the centerpiece of the festival. These traditional pastries are made with wheat flour and filled with ingredients such as lotus seed paste, red bean, green tea, chocolate, or salted egg yolks. Sharing mooncakes represents unity and togetherness.

Lanterns are another highlight of the celebration. Hung on trees, displayed at homes, or crafted into Kongming lanterns that float into the sky, they create a breathtaking view. Wishes are often written on flying lanterns before they are released, symbolizing hope and good fortune.

A Festival of Gratitude and Family

In ancient times, the festival was closely tied to the harvest season. Emperors offered sacrifices to the moon to express gratitude for abundance. Farmers and villagers celebrated their hard work and good harvests. Today, while fewer people farm, the Mid Autumn Festival continues to symbolize gratitude, unity, and family togetherness.

From glowing lanterns to sweet mooncakes, the Mid Autumn Festival remains a beautiful tradition that connects generations across cultures. It is a time to cherish family, celebrate love, and enjoy the magic of the full moon.