Harvest festival is also celebrated in China...
17-Sep-2024
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Beijing : A festival in China which has been celebrated for three thousand years is called Mooncake Festival. Also called Junchio in Chinese, it is a festival which has been a symbol of worshiping the moon and spending time with family for centuries. This festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is full.
This festival has very deep roots. It is believed that this tradition is going on from the time of the Shang Dynasty, which ruled between 1600-1046 BC. At that time it was celebrated as a harvest festival, which was an important event for the agricultural society. This year this festival is celebrated on September 17 on the occasion of harvest. In China, the moon has always been considered a divine power. People believe that the moon and water are related to human rejuvenation. It was believed that worshiping the moon keeps the body young forever. The moon and the sun were considered a couple and the stars are their children.
Mooncake is the most important part of this festival. This round shaped cake represents the moon and is filled with sweet things, egg yolk, meat and a paste made of rose seeds. Mooncake is not only tasty, but it is also a symbol of maintaining unity among family and friends. On this festival, people light lanterns. This light is a symbol of happiness, prosperity and a wish for a bright future. People gather together and gaze at the moon and ask for their wishes.
Even today, the Mooncake Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in many Asian countries including China. This festival not only keeps traditional values alive, but also strengthens the bond between family and community. Mooncakes are available in different flavors, such as red beans, lotus seed paste, and chocolate. Lanterns of different sizes and colors are an important part of this festival. There are many mythological stories associated with the Mooncake Festival, which make this festival more interesting.(Agency)