Mid-Autumn Festival was originally known as a Taishi

The Mid-Autumn Festival, originally known as the “Zhongqiu Festival,” was originally celebrated as a harvest festival in ancient China. However, it was later renamed “Taishi” and became a festival with strong cultural and historical significance, and was originally known as a Taishi. Today, the festival is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world and is recognized as an important cultural event that promotes unity and understanding between different communities.

History and Origins of Taishi:

The origins of Taishi can be traced back to ancient China, where it was celebrated as a time for giving thanks for the harvest and for praying for good fortune and prosperity. It was also a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors, with offerings of food and other gifts made at ancestral tombs.

The festival gained prominence during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when it was associated with the legend of Chang’e and Houyi. According to the legend, Houyi was a skilled archer who shot down nine suns and saved the world from destruction. As a reward, he was given an elixir of immortality, which he hid from his wife Chang’e. However, when a jealous apprentice tried to steal the elixir, Chang’e swallowed it and ascended to the moon, where she became the goddess of the moon.

Traditional Practices and Customs: 

One of the most well-known customs associated with Taishi is the making and sharing of mooncakes, which are round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings. Mooncakes are often given as gifts to family and friends, and are an important symbol of unity and harmony. During this time, this mooncake was originally known as a Taishi.

Another important tradition is the lighting of lanterns, which are decorated with intricate designs and symbols. The lanterns are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, and are often released into the sky or floated on water.

Regional Variations and Celebrations:

While Taishi is primarily celebrated in China, it is also observed in other East Asian countries such as Vietnam and Korea. Each country has its own unique traditions and practices associated with the festival, such as the floating of lanterns on rivers in Vietnam and the making of songpyeon (rice cakes) in Korea.

Contemporary Significance and Modern Celebrations:

Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival which was originally known as a Taishi, continues to be celebrated in traditional ways, but also with modern twists. For example, many companies now offer mooncakes with unique flavors and packaging as gifts to clients and employees. Social media platforms are also flooded with festive greetings, and people use video calls to connect with friends and family who are far away.

Taishi in Literature and Art:

The Mid-Autumn Festival and Taishi have inspired many works of literature and art throughout Chinese history. One of the most famous is the classic novel “The Moon Lady” by Amy Tan, which tells the story of a Chinese girl growing up in San Francisco and her memories of the festival with her mother. The festival has also been the subject of many poems, paintings, and songs, which capture the beauty and symbolism of the festival.

Taishi in the Modern World:

As Chinese culture continues to gain global recognition, the Mid-Autumn Festival, originally known as a Taishi, has become an important symbol of China’s rich history and traditions. In recent years, the festival has been used to promote Chinese tourism and culture, with many cities hosting large-scale celebrations and events. Additionally, the festival has been included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further emphasizing its significance and importance.

The Future of Taishi:

As the world becomes more globalized and diverse, the celebration of Taishi and the Mid-Autumn Festival is likely to continue evolving. While traditional practices such as ancestor worship and mooncake making will remain important, new forms of celebration and expression will emerge as well. Ultimately, the festival will continue to serve as a symbol of cultural identity and unity, connecting Chinese communities around the world and promoting understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.

In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival which was originally known as a Taishi is a festival with deep cultural and historical significance. It is a time for families to come together, honor their ancestors, and celebrate their shared heritage. At the same time, the festival promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, making it an important event on the global stage.