英文介绍中秋节PPT
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Ch...
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated usually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It has a rich cultural and historical background, and is considered a time for family reunion, worship of ancestors, and observations of the beauty and mystery of the moon.Cultural SignificanceThe Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays, second only to the Chinese New Year. It is a time for family gatherings, similar to the Harvest Festival or Thanksgiving in other cultures. The festival represents a time of plenty, with the round shape of the moon symbolizing unity, perfection, and reunion.Moon WorshipThe name of the festivalderived from the fact that it falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, which is when the moon is closest to the earth and appears largest in the sky. The full moon is considered beautiful and pure, and is associated with family reunion and undivided unity. Many ancient poets have written beautiful poems to praise the beauty of the moon, such as "Mid-Autumn Moon" by Su Dongpo and "Thoughts on the Full Moon" by Wang Anshi.Lantern FestivalOn the night of the full moon, people often hold lantern festivals, releasing lanterns into the sky to symbolize wishes and dreams. The lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, with some even carrying messages or wishes inside. This practice is related to the legend of a beautiful girl named Chang'e who, according to some versions, lives on the moon and only comes out on this day.Foods of the Mid-Autumn FestivalThe Mid-Autumn Festival is also associated with specific foods, most notably the mooncake, which became popular during the Song Dynasty. Mooncakes are typically round and dense, with an outer crust and a variety of fillings such as yolks from salted duck eggs, bean paste, or even minced meats. They are often given as gifts during the festival or consumed while watching the full moon.Another traditional food associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the pomelo, a citrus fruit that shares a similar shape to the moon. The pomelo is often eaten fresh or used in mooncake fillings. In some regions, people also eat watermelon slices or other round fruits to symbolize reunion under the moonlight.Customs and TraditionsIn addition to family gatherings and moon worship, there are many customs and traditions associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. One such tradition is called "chasing away the devil," which involves adults in costumes chasing children around their homes or neighborhoods to symbolize the driving out of evil spirits. This practice is believed to protect children from harm and ensure their safety throughout the year.Another popular tradition is called "making promises," where young people climb high mountains or towers to admire the beauty of the full moon and make promises to their sweethearts or express their love for nature. This practice originated in ancient times as a way for lovers to express their feelings without being heard by others.Modern CelebrationsDespite the passing of time, the Mid-Autumn Festival remains an important holiday in China and around the world. Nowadays, people celebrate it with various activities such as watching fireworks displays, playing traditional Chinese games like mahjong and Chinese chess, singing karaoke songs, and partaking in cultural performances. In some cities, large-scale lantern displays are also held to mark the occasion. Additionally, people often hold family reunions or gatheringswith friends and relatives to enjoy traditional foods such as mooncakes under the bright moonlight while exchanging gifts and greetings.Moreover, due to globalization, some elements of this festival have also spread to other cultures worldwide. People in various countries often hold mooncake-making activities or participate in cultural events related to Chinese culture to learn more about its traditions and values. Additionally, some non-Chinese communities have also started their own versions of lantern festivals or mooncake festivals as a way to promote cultural diversity and multiculturalism.In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a cherished traditional holiday that holds significant cultural value for China and many other countries around the world. It represents a time for family reunion, ancestor worship, expression of love, and celebration of nature under the beautiful full moon. From ancient times until now, people have been celebrating this holiday with various customs and activities that continue to bring joy, happiness, and cultural diversity to our lives.