Hello everyone, good day to you all. Today (农历八月十五) is an auspicious day for the Chinese as Mid-Autumn Festival or commonly known as lantern festival / mooncake festival.
Actually there are many folk lore's regarding the origin of this festival. One of them is the story of Houyi and Chang-e (后羿和嫦娥). In this story, it was said that the Earth was once covered with 10 suns. The people were suffering and crops can't grow well under this extreme weather. After that, a hero named Houyi sympathise with the people and by using a bow and arrows, he shot down 9 suns and the last sun was spared to bring light to the world. He then married a beautiful wife, Chang-e and they live happily together.
In his lifetime, Houyi is said to have many apprentice who follows him to learn the art of hunting. Among them are Peng-meng, a wicked and cunning fellow.
One day, when Houyi went to visit one of his friend who lives in Kun Ming Mountain, he meet the empress of the immortals (王母娘娘)and was gifted a packet heavenly herb from her. He was told that whoever consume half of this herb will be immortal and those who consume all of it will become a god. He was delighted by this gift and ask his wife to safe keep this herb. Unfortunately Peng-meng found out about it and plan to steal the herb.
One day, when Houyi went hunting with his apprentice, Peng-meng secretly went into Houyi house and demanded that Chang-e hand over the herb to him. He even threaten to hurt Chang-e with his sword if she refuses. Chang-e, who fears for her life and her husband's, went and consume the whole packet of herb in order to prevent Peng-meng from getting it. In that instance, her body become feathery light and she rises towards the sky. Since she misses her husband, she live at the moon where she is able to meet him every night.
Houyi, devastated by the loss of his lovely wife, went and hunt for Peng-meng but he was no where to been found. Houyi became heartbroken over the loss of his wife and when he look up into the sky, he notices a shadow on the moon which resembles his dear wife.
So, he immediately ordered his servant to prepare offings of his wife favourite food and place those offerings in the yard. He then weep over the relationship between him and his wife.
Later on, this practice eventually became a part of Chinese culture and at this date every year, the Chinese will place offerings and pray to the beautiful Chang-e for her protection and blessings.
For today, I and my family went to our aunt house (Kak Fatimah) for her Hari Raya open house. It was quite fun as many of my relatives turns up for this event and some of them I haven't meet for years ^^. Just came back from the open house when I type this entry for today. Too bad I forgotten to take any picture or I will upload for you all to see.
So for the Chinese readers, please remember the true meaning of this event and go home to visit your family to celebrate this meaningful event together. Maybe I will update my next entry when I have successfully gotten my hands on the 3rd Bleach Movie: Fade to Black.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festivals everyone,
Signing off...
Signing off...
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