Happy Mid Autumn Festival, a Brief History of the Moon Cake Day

The Ancient Legend Explained in a Few Minutes

In the distant past, there was a beautiful woman named Chang’E. Her husband, Hou Yi was the greatest archer in China. At that time there were ten suns in the sky and the people were living in blistering hot heat constantly.

To save the earth Hou Yi used his bow and arrows to shoot down nine of the suns.

Hou Yi became respected a hero that saved mankind. He was rewarded with a magic potion that would make him immortal. Unfortunately, there was only enough potion for one person. And both Chang’E and Hou Yi didn’t want to leave each other so they decided to not drink it.

Then one day, one of Hou Yi’s students attempted to steal the potion of immortality when he wasn’t home. To protect the potion from evil thieves Chang’E drank the potion.

Then she flew up to the moon and became the moon goddess. He husband remained on earth without her.

Alone on earth, Hou Yi made an offering to the moon because he missed his wife so much. He tried to find the shape of Chang’E on the moon. In honour of Chang’E Chinese people eat fruits and moon-shaped treats filled with sweetness.

Thas is the legend of the origin of the Mid Autumn Festival, often called Moon Festival.

Now, in modern times, it’s also known as a harvest festival similar to Thanks Giving in North America. Chinese families get together and have a large dinner and share some gifts.

They now can come in expensive, decorative boxes which has made some Chinese people upset because they are too expensive for many to buy. But it’s OK because you can also buy moon cakes with a box much cheaper.

They like to travel and make lanterns displays and that float into the sky, pray for happiness and health.

So I wish you all a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.

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