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The Moon
The Moon (Latin: Luna) is Earth's only natural satellite. Although not the largest natural satellite in the Solar System, it is, among the satellites of major planets, the largest relative to the size of the object it orbits (its primary). It is the second-densest satellite among those whose densities are known.
from time immemorial, the Moon takes an important place in people's mind. There have been many special culture and legends about the Moon in every country.
Because, there have already been a lot of secience knowledge about the Moon at Google, so in this Web page, there is more information about Chinese culrure and legends about the Moon.
To Chinese People, full Moon represents reunion of family. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a harvest festival celebrated by ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese peoples. The festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese Han calendar and Vietnamese calendar , on the night of the full moon between early September to early October of the Gregorian calendar.
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Meanings of the festival
The festival celebrates three fundamental concepts which are closely tied to one another:
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Gathering, such as family and friends coming together, or harvesting crops for the festival.
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Thanksgiving, to give thanks for the harvest, or for harmonious unions
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Praying (asking for conceptual or material satisfaction), such as for babies, a spouse, beauty, longevity, or for a good future
Traditions and myths surrounding the festival are formed around these three concepts, although traditions have changed over time due to changes in technology, science, economy, culture, and religion.
Mooncakes
Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark traditions of this festival. In Chinese culture, a round shape symbolizes completeness and unity. Thus, the sharing of round mooncakes among family members signify the completeness and unity of families.[citation needed] In some areas of China, there is a tradition of making mooncakes during the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The senior person in that household would cut the mooncakes into pieces and distribute them to each family member, signifying family reunion.[12] In modern times, however, making mooncakes at home has given way to the more popular custom of giving mooncakes to family members, although the meaning of maintaining familial unity remains.[citation needed]
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