Historical Background
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, boasts a rich history deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, stretching back over 3,000 years to ancient China. Originating during the Shang dynasty, it began as a harvest festival where the ancient Chinese emperors worshipped the full moon, believing it would bring abundant harvests in the following year. The practice of offering sacrifices to the moon goddess during the autumnal equinox became widespread during the Western Zhou Dynasty, with references to the term "Mid-Autumn" appearing in the "Rites of Zhou" during the Warring States Period, although the festival itself had not yet materialized.
However, it wasn't until the Tang dynasty that appreciating the moon and celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival gained popularity, particularly among the upper class. Emperors, rich merchants, and officials held grand festivities in their courts, complete with moon-viewing, music, and dance. Over time, this tradition extended beyond the elite circles, with common citizens joining in the moon-watching activities.
The festival's formalization took place during the Northern Song Dynasty, where the 15th day of the 8th lunar month was officially established as the Mid-Autumn Festival. From then on, sacrificing to the moon became a cherished custom, with families gathering to appreciate the full moon's brilliance.
Mooncakes, a quintessential element of the festival, made their debut during the Yuan Dynasty, when messages of rebellion against Mongol rule were concealed within these delectable pastries. The tradition of sharing mooncakes further solidified the festival's cultural significance.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Mid-Autumn Festival reached its zenith in popularity, rivaling even the Chinese New Year in importance. Elaborate celebrations, including burning pagodas and performing the fire dragon dance, became commonplace during this period, showcasing the festival's cultural vibrancy.
In modern times, the Mid-Autumn Festival has evolved into a cherished public holiday, recognized not only in China but also in various other countries with significant Chinese communities. While traditional activities like moon worship and lantern displays endure, societal changes have led to new trends, with many people viewing the festival simply as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends or to indulge in leisure activities. Despite these shifts, the Mid-Autumn Festival remains a time-honored occasion that symbolizes unity, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of Chinese culture.
Beijing Longtan Lake Mid-Autumn Festival Lantern Festival, Erlong Opera Pearl, © Shizhao, via Wikipedia
Themes and Symbols in the Mid-Autumn Festival
Celebration and Unity: Rooted in tradition, the Mid-Autumn Festival epitomizes celebration and unity, originating as a harvest festival in ancient China. It's a time for people to gather, offer gratitude, and honor the moon's blessings. Today, it serves as a joyous occasion for outdoor reunions, reinforcing bonds among friends and family through shared activities like mooncake feasting, moon watching, and cultural revelry.
Moon Worship and Reunion: Central to the festival is moon worship, symbolizing familial unity and completeness. Families come together to admire the full moon's beauty, embracing its symbolic significance of togetherness. Sharing round mooncakes further reinforces these familial bonds, expressing love, respect, and well-wishes among loved ones.
The painting depicts the Chinese goddess Chang'e (嫦娥), via Wikipedia
Lanterns: Illuminating the festivities are vibrant lanterns, imbued with hope, prosperity, and enlightenment. Originally mere decorations, these lanterns have evolved into iconic symbols of the festival, often adorned with riddles for playful engagement. Their radiant glow adds a touch of magic and mystery to the celebratory atmosphere.
Mooncakes: Mooncakes hold deep cultural significance, representing both tradition and innovation. The round shape symbolizes completeness and reunion, while the act of sharing mooncakes among family members reinforces familial unity. Mooncakes are not only a culinary delight but also a means of expressing love, respect, and well-wishes for loved ones.
Courtship and Matchmaking: The Mid-Autumn Festival has long been associated with courtship and matchmaking, particularly among young people. Traditions such as throwing handkerchiefs and exchanging verses of song provide opportunities for romantic connections and expressions of affection.
Games and Activities: Various games and activities are enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, ranging from traditional dances to fortune-telling rituals. These activities reflect cultural beliefs and values, serving as a means of entertainment and social interaction. Through games like "Ascent to Heaven" and "Descent into the Garden," participants engage in imaginative and symbolic experiences, fostering a sense of wonder and intrigue.
In Contemporary Art
In contemporary art, the Mid-Autumn Festival serves as a rich source of inspiration, prompting artists to explore its cultural significance, traditions, and symbolism through various mediums. Artists often reinterpret traditional customs such as moon worship, lantern making, and mooncake sharing, infusing them with modern aesthetics and concepts. Through paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works, contemporary artists capture the essence of the festival, highlighting themes of reunion, harmony, and nostalgia. Some artists incorporate innovative techniques and materials to create striking visual representations of the moon, while others explore the festival's social and environmental implications in a rapidly changing world. Additionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival provides a platform for cross-cultural exchange and dialogue, as artists from diverse backgrounds draw inspiration from their own experiences and perspectives. Through their artistic expressions, they invite audiences to reflect on the significance of tradition, community, and interconnectedness in the modern age, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage embodied by the festival.
Gerry Martinez, Chang'e, Chinese Goddess of the Moon Renaissance Woman, 2023
Chang'e, Chinese Goddess of the Moon Renaissance Woman (2023) by Gerry Martinez is a captivating digital artwork that reimagines Chang'e, the graceful guardian of the Moon in Chinese mythology, as a Renaissance woman. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence technology, the artist brings to life the enchanting tale of Chang'e and her significance in Chinese folklore within a contemporary context. The artwork portrays Chang'e with elegance and poise, embodying the mystical allure and tranquility associated with the Moon. Linked to the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture, the artwork honors Chang'e and her eternal presence on the Moon. Families gather together during this festival to share mooncakes and light lanterns, symbolizing the unity of families under the full moon's glow. In Martinez's rendition, Chang'e's timeless story transcends ancient mythology, resonating with modern audiences and continuing to inspire through its portrayal of beauty, sacrifice, and eternal love.
Chen Song, I Have Some Romantic, 2023
I Have Some Romantic (2023) by Chen Song is a captivating painting that intertwines the beauty of nature with the cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Created with pigments on paper, this artwork celebrates the sweet osmanthus, a flower deeply intertwined with Chinese tradition and folklore. As the sweet osmanthus blossoms during the Mid-Autumn Festival, it becomes a symbol of reunion and familial ties. In Chinese culture, osmanthus wine is a traditional choice for the "reunion wine" enjoyed with family during this festival, while osmanthus-flavored confections and teas add to the festive atmosphere. Legend has it that a sweet osmanthus tree grows on the moon, perpetually pruned by Wu Gang, embodying the enduring connection between the moon and the festival. Additionally, in imperial China, the osmanthus held significance during the imperial examinations, symbolizing success and achievement.
The Mid-Autumn Festival stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Chinese culture, bridging ancient traditions with contemporary expressions of art and celebration. Originating over 3,000 years ago, the festival has evolved from a harvest celebration to a cherished occasion symbolizing unity, gratitude, and familial ties. From moon worship to lantern displays, the festival's themes of celebration, reunion, and hope resonate across generations and cultures. In contemporary art, artists like Gerry Martinez and Chen Song continue to draw inspiration from the festival, reimagining its symbols and themes in captivating ways. Martinez's digital artwork "Chang'e, Chinese Goddess of the Moon Renaissance Woman" and Song's painting "I Have Some Romantic" pay homage to the festival's cultural significance while infusing it with modern aesthetics and interpretations. Through their art, they invite audiences to reflect on the timeless beauty and profound symbolism of the Mid-Autumn Festival, ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
Selena Mattei