![]() ![]() The story goes that Liu Bowen, the confidant of the rebel leader Zhu Yuanzhang, suggested that the rebellion be timed to coincide with the Mid-Autumn festival. The Mongols had attempted to invade China many times in ancient times and eventually succeeded under the leadership of Kublai Khan during the 13th century.ĭuring the century that the Mongols were in power, their rule was oppressive, forbidding Chinese people to gather in public or own weapons, as well as levying heavy taxes, while making bad land management decisions that led to poor crops yield. Similarly, the tradition of giving mooncakes to friends, relatives and colleagues during the Mid-Autumn Festival is a reminder of the rebellion which succeeded in overthrowing the Mongol dynasty, which ruled China from 1271-1368 AD. Many traditional customs practiced by Chinese people today all over the world are based on events and rituals that have been passed down through thousands of years of Chinese culture, and many originate around remembered events of great crisis or strife. The Mid Autumn Festival mythology: Mooncakes, the Jade Rabbit, Chang’e and the archer Mooncakes and Revolution- History and legend In September I was lucky enough to try delicious Moon cakes in Georgetown, Malaysia where, they are baked with a surface imprinted with the name of the bakery as well as auspicious Chinese characters and symbols for “longevity” or “harmony.” The fillings are traditionally of red bean, lotus paste or assorted nut with a medley of almonds, melon seeds, walnuts and dried winter melon. For people in China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Japan and Korea the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, is still an occasion for outdoor reunions among friends and relatives to eat moon cakes and watch the moon, a symbol of harmony and unity. The Mid-autumn Festival 中秋節 is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the 8th lunar month, close to the autumn equinox and dates back over 3.500 years. Also known as the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, or simply the Mooncake Festival, it also celebrates the legends of Chang’e 嫦娥, the Goddess of Immortality and her companion, the moon rabbit, called also 月兔 Yùtù or Jade Rabbit. ![]() Historically, the Mid Autumn Festival was a time to enjoy the successful reaping of riceand wheat with food offerings made in honor of the moon. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |