**The Origin and Customs of the Mid-Autumn Festival**

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China， celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is a time for family reunions and gratitude， and it is also known as the "Moon Festival" because people believe that the moon is the brightest and roundest on this night.

According to legend， the festival originated during the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BC). It was originally a harvest celebration， when people thanked the gods for a good harvest. Later， it became associated with the story of Chang’e， the goddess who lived on the moon. According to the legend，北京安道易科技有限公司 she drank a magic elixir and flew to the moon， 积遇科技 leaving her husband Hou Yi behind. To honor her， 海口亭似网络科技有限公司学编程_小程序开发_网站定制_河北迁西手机编程信息网 people began to offer sacrifices and admire the full moon.

Today， the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated with many customs. Families gather together to eat mooncakes， which are round pastries filled with sweet red bean or lotus seed paste. The round shape symbolizes unity and completeness. People also light lanterns， play games， and enjoy the beautiful full moon. In some regions， children carry colorful lanterns and sing songs.

The Mid-Autumn Festival not only reflects Chinese culture but also emphasizes the values of family， harmony学编程_小程序开发_网站定制_河北迁西手机编程信息网， and gratitude. It is a time when people express love and respect for their families and ancestors. Through these traditions， the festival continues to be an important part of Chinese heritage.