The Mid-Autumn Festival

Mooncakes, Moon Gazing, and a Lady on the Moon

Today is 中秋节 Zhōngqiū Jié, the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China’s most important traditional holidays, often considered second only to Chinese New Year. It falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the traditional Chinese calendar, when the moon is associated with being especially full and bright.

At its heart, Mid-Autumn Festival is about family reunion. Families gather for a special meal, share 月饼 yuèbǐng (mooncakes), and, weather permitting, go outside to 赏月 shǎng yuè — admire the moon.

But while you’re looking at the moon, take a closer look.

Can you see a beautiful woman up there?

Or perhaps a rabbit?

Why Is There a Woman on the Moon?

That brings us to one of China’s best-known legends: the story of 嫦娥 Cháng’é.

Long ago, according to the legend, there were ten suns in the sky, scorching the earth. The archer 后羿 Hòu Yì shot down nine of them and was rewarded with an elixir of immortality.

According to the legend, Chang’e drank the elixir and became immortal, rising into the sky and eventually coming to reside on the moon. There are several versions of the story, and they differ on why she drank the elixir.

And she isn’t entirely alone.

Chinese tradition also places the 玉兔 Yùtù — Jade Rabbit on the moon. In many tellings, the Jade Rabbit is Chang’e’s companion, and is often pictured pounding ingredients for the elixir of immortality.

So tonight, when you look at the full moon, see what you can find: 嫦娥 or 玉兔?

Some Mandarin Words for Mid-Autumn Festival

Here are five words you’ll hear and see during Mid-Autumn Festival:

中秋节 Zhōngqiū Jié — Mid-Autumn Festival
月亮 yuèliang — moon
月饼 yuèbǐng — mooncake
赏月 shǎng yuè — admire/enjoy the moon
团圆 tuányuán — family reunion; being reunited

中秋节 Zhōngqiū Jié — Mid-Autumn Festival

中秋节快乐！ Zhōngqiū Jié kuàilè! — Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

Practice these Mid-Autumn Festival words and phrases by listening to the Mid-Autumn Festival audio →