### Origin and History of the Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Its origins can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC), where it was a harvest festival. However, the festival became associated with moon worship during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
One of the most famous legends about the Mid-Autumn Festival is the story of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess. According to the tale, Chang'e was a beautiful woman who lived on Earth. She was the wife of Hou Yi, a legendary archer who was given the elixir of immortality by the God of the Sun. Jealous of her husband, a jealous celestial being named 10 Suns appeared simultaneously in the sky, causing disasters on Earth. Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns and presented the elixir to Chang'e. After eating it, Chang'e became immortal and ascended to the moon, where she lives with her immortal companions.
### Development and Evolution of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival has evolved over time, incorporating various customs and traditions.
1. **Moon Viewing**: During the Tang Dynasty, moon-viewing became a popular activity. People would gather together to admire the full moon and enjoy mooncakes, a traditional pastry that symbolizes prosperity and happiness.
2. **Mooncakes**: Originally, mooncakes were only made during the festival. They are round in shape, symbolizing the moon, and often contain lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or salted egg yolk. The filling and shape of mooncakes have changed over time, reflecting regional flavors and preferences.
3. **Lanterns**: In the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), lanterns became associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. People would hang lanterns in their homes and streets to celebrate the festival, with lanterns often shaped like animals, flowers, and other decorations.
4. **Pumpkin Dancing**: In some regions, people perform traditional dance routines with pumpkins during the festival. This custom is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
5. **Folklore and Myths**: The festival continues to be steeped in legends and myths, with the Chang'e story being one of the most enduring. These stories help to preserve cultural heritage and pass down traditional values.
Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is still celebrated widely across China and in many other Asian countries. It is a time for families to gather, enjoy the moon, and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of their ancestors.
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