The Moon Pageant is an thrilling time for Chinese language kids. It’s a uncommon occasion {that a} youngster is allowed to remain up well beyond bedtime, and spent open air at that!The Moon Pageant is well known on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese language lunar calendar. This yr 2008, the Chinese language Moon Pageant falls on September 14th. It’s the time for households to get collectively once more, to get pleasure from a great dinner and benefit from the moon open air.To kids, this Chinese language vacation will be thought-about their lantern competition. Some kids make their very own lanterns earlier than the night time of the Eight-fifteen. After the moon competition dinner, the household prepares to exit and moon-gaze. Kids are requested to hold colourful lanterns to gentle the trail of the adults as they go to honor the moon. These lanterns could also be made by the kid, or store-bought. Lanterns could also be formed like rabbits, fish, dragons, butterflies and different animals. Carrying a horse lantern could be very particular for a kid, as it’s believed that the moon travels with the velocity of a horse.Mooncakes are standard fare because the households gaze upon the moon. However for youngsters, thick wheat flour cookies are additionally given. These wheat cookies could also be formed like fish crabs, dragons and pigs. Pig cookies can be found in brilliant coloured plastic containers with purple carrying string.After the household picks a spot, prayers are provided to provide thanks for blessings and for good household ties.Elders inform the younger individuals the legends concerning the moon and why this competition is well known. The younger individuals pay attention intently and take a look at the moon, some hoping to catch a glimpse of the Woman on the moon.Listed here are some tales that the younger individuals might generally hear.
In historic China, it was mentioned that 10 suns arose and the intense warmth brought on famine. Hou Yi the archer shot down 9 of the solar. The Jade Emperor awarded him the Elixir of Life for his heroic effort. Hou Yi’s spouse, Chang’E, takes the elixir. She floats as much as the moon and Hou Yi tries to chase her via the heavens, however he’s not in a position to get her again. The gods permit them to fulfill once more as soon as a month, when the moon is full.
The Jade Rabbit accompanies Chang’E on the moon. The rabbit is usually proven utilizing a pestle and mortar, frequently attempting however failing to make the Elixir of Life.
Wu Gang sought immortality. This angered the gods that they sentenced Wu Gang to chop the Tree of Immortality on the moon. Nonetheless, each time Wu Gang succeeds in reducing down the magical tree, it grows proper again.
Moon Minister of Marriage. It’s mentioned that the outdated Minister of Marriage who lived on the moon matches future {couples} by connecting child women and child boys with an enchanted purple thread.
When the moon gazing takes place close to a physique of water, kids let their lanterns float on the water. They watch because the lanterns float away, and wait till the lights should not seen anymore.The Moon Pageant can be the time for youngsters to make new buddies. With all the thrill occurring, it’s simple for a kid to realize a brand new buddy whereas enjoying within the night time darkness. With all of the magical tales heard that night time, it’s thrilling to dare one another to do courageous issues at midnight or to look out the Woman on the moon.Kids’s Mid-Autumn Moon Pageant in VietnamIn Vietnam, the Moon Pageant can be a household vacation, whose most important celebrators are the youngsters. The Vietnamese have fun this vacation the identical time because the Chinese language day. This competition is honored by kids marching to processions. The youngsters carry star-shaped lanterns. They sway as they stroll and chant rhymes.On this night time, dad and mom additionally inform their kids improbable fables, with ethical classes to encourage a baby to carry out nicely in class.
