To all bloggers, plurkers, face-bookers, twitters, readers, family and friends.
The Moon / Moon cake Festival (also known as Mid-Autumn Festival) is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture. It is held on the 15th of the eighth month in Chinese calendar. On this date, the moon is the brightest and the roundest in a year and farmers celebrate their last harvest season on this date. This year’s Moon Festival happens to be on Wednesday 22nd September, (which is tomorrow). *finger-crossed* to have a clear sky!
In Chinese tradition, family members will gather together on this night to have dinner then following a traditional dessert called “moon cake” with a cup of tea outdoor under the moonlight. Admiring the beautiful moonlight, with the magic of lanterns, family is there to appreciate their joy of happiness being as round and bright (“complete and prosperous” in Chinese meaning) as the moon.
It's my first time celebrating this festival here at Australia, and now it's spring over here...the moon cakes are way expensive! But still I don't want to spoil the celebration!~
To my friends who is with their families, be happy and spend just this day with your family together, it only comes once in a year.
To my friends who was away from home. Don't worry, celebrate with your friends together, have fun and enjoy the moment!
To my friends who was in relationship. Enjoy to the fullest. Both of you should get out and enjoy the night!
To my friends who are currently alone. The answer is you are not alone! The moon will accompany by your side. No matter where are you, everyone is gazing at the same moon =)
If the weather is bad (Hope it does not!). Just chill at your room and drink a hot cup of tea~ accompanied with moon cakes =)
I wish everyone a Happy Moon Festival!
《水调歌头·明月几时有》
明月几时有,把酒问青天。
不知天上宫阙,今夕是何年。
我欲乘风归去,又恐琼楼玉宇,高处不胜寒。
起舞弄清影,何似在人间!
转朱阁,低绮户,照无眠。
不应有恨,何事长向别时圆?
人有悲欢离合,月有阴晴圆缺,此事古难全。
但愿人长久,千里共婵娟。
Translate version:
Bright moon, when did you appear?
Lifting my wine, I question the dark night sky.
Tonight in the palaces and halls of heaven
what year is it, I wonder?
I would like to ride the wind, make my home there,
Only I hide in a jade room of a beautiful mansion,
As I could not bear the cold of high altitudes.
So I rise and dance and play in your pure beams,
this human world — how can it compare with yours?
Circling red chambers,
low in the curtained door,
you shine on the sleepless.
Surely you bear us no ill will —
why then must you be so round at times when we humans are parted!
People have their griefs and joys, their togetherness and separation,
The moon has its dark and clear times, its waxings and wanings.
Situations are never ideal since long ago.
I only hope we two may have long long lives,
So that we may share the moon’s beauty even though we are a three hundred miles apart.
Have a blessed Mid Autumn Festival everyone!
~中秋节快乐~