The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that typically occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Here are the origins and meanings of its customs in English:

**Origins:**
The Mid-Autumn Festival has a long history, with some sources tracing it back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). There are several legends associated with the festival, but the most popular one is about the Moon Goddess, Chang'e. According to the story, Chang'e ascended to the moon after swallowing a pill of immortality, leaving her husband Hou Yi on Earth. People began to celebrate her moon ascent by making mooncakes, admiring the full moon, and gathering with family and friends.
**Customs:**
1. **Mooncakes:** These are round pastries filled with various ingredients like lotus seed paste, egg yolk, and red bean paste. The round shape symbolizes the full moon and completeness.
2. **Moon Viewing:** Families gather together to admire the full moon, which is said to be the brightest and roundest of the year. They often take this time to appreciate the beauty of nature and share stories and tales.
3. **Lanterns:** Children often release lanterns into the sky, symbolizing lighting up the dark and letting go of bad luck. Paper lanterns can be shaped like various animals or objects.
4. **Tea Drinking:** Drinking tea is another traditional activity, with people enjoying it as they gaze at the moon. Green tea is particularly popular.
**Meanings:**
1. **Family Reunion:** The Mid-Autumn Festival is an occasion to gather with family and friends, emphasizing the importance of family unity and respect for elders.
2. **Harvest:**
The festival coincides with the autumn harvest, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. It is a time to give thanks for the year's crops and to wish for a good harvest in the coming year.
3. **Love and Romance:** The bright full moon has been a source of inspiration for love and romance in Chinese literature and folklore. The festival is sometimes considered a romantic occasion.
4. **Unity and Peace:** The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for reflection and harmony. It encourages people to think about the unity of the family and the world.
The customs and meanings of the Mid-Autumn Festival have been passed down through generations, making it an important cultural and traditional celebration in China and among Chinese communities worldwide.
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