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The moon has been from time immemorial an object of supreme fascination for mankind. At the same time in virtually every human society in the world,
Autumn festivals provide an occasion for feasting and thanksgiving. But few are quite as rich in myth and legend, in custom and folklore, as in romantic fancy and poetic significance as the Chinese Moon Festival
which falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. On this day the moon is, at its roundest and most luminous.
In ancient agricultural times, the Moon Festival was known as Autumn Thanksgiving, a feast of gratitude to the Earth God for the completion of the
agricultural cycle. Over the centuries, China’s Autumn Festival has been embellished with myth and legend, and the tradition has been enriched with significant historical events. Today, the festival’s agricultural
importance has diminished with the changes brought about by industrialisation; but the moon, which has always been the focal point of the festival, still remains the centre of the celebrations, hence, the popular
name ‘Moon Festival’.
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