《認識中秋節的背景和傳統》
This page deepens your understanding of "中秋節" [Zhōng qiū jié] (Mid-Autumn Festival) which is one of the four major traditional festivals in Taiwan and the biggest festival in Autumn.
What is 中秋節 [Zhōng qiū jié] ?
中秋節 [Zhōng qiū jié] (Mid-Autumn festival) is 15th of August on the lunar calendar. The day to worship the moon. The biggest festival in Autumn.
Origin of 中秋節 [Zhōng qiū jié]
The exact origin is unknown. Legends about the harvest moon, such as the rabbit on the moon, exist all over Asia. The custom of worshiping the moon in August has been around since ancient times, and one theory is that also served as an Autumn harvest festival.
Customs of 中秋節 [Zhōng qiū jié]
- Watch the moon.
- Have a good time with family.
- Send 月餅 [Yuè bǐng] (Mooncake) to each other.
- Eat 柚子 [Yòu zi] (Pomelo).
- Do BBQ 烤肉 [Kǎo ròu] (Barbecue).
*In addition to the above, there are unique customs in some regions.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, it is a familiar sight in Taiwan that BBQ-related products start to stand out in stores. It is thought that this was triggered by the influence of a large number of BBQ sauce TV commercials in the 1980s and the strengthening of sales by barbecue grill companies.
On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, of course, but also for several days before and after the festival, many people will appear on the streets and in the squares to do BBQ. Taiwan's generosity can be glimpsed in the tolerance of temporary private use of public roads and public facilities.
The Mid-Autumn Festival BBQ is held in a place where the moon cannot be seen at all, so there is nothing any meaning but the result of being completely commercialized, just like Japanese Valentine's chocolates and Christmas cakes.
Summary of 中秋節 [Zhōng qiū jié]
Originally the day to worship the moon but now it became a day of family gathering in Autumn.