The moon’s wonder is universally prized

Source: Yiwu sourcing agent    Author: Gary      Date: 2008-03-17

But if you are able to appreciate the profound meaning of Jing YeSi ( Qui et Night Thoughts) by Li Bai , you will understand the significance of the moon in Chinese culture and how the moon ,especially the full autumn moon, symbolizes family reunion and celebration. Then on the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, ( September 25th this year) the moon cakes will not be just another local delicacy ,but will fine tune your palate to Chinese aesthetics and joie de vivre .

On a cool night ,with the bright moon rising in all its splendor, watching the night sky with your family and loved ones a round you , sharing the good things of life ,the moon‘s legends, lore and poems you have heard since childhood make the moment truly magical . No wonder, the Moon Festival is so special to the Chinese and the buzz of the festival is on a good month in advance. In the age of instant communication ,the concept may be difficult to understand . But in the days of old, to romantic lovers who could not be in one place together, gazing at the moon at the same time was the equivalent of what QQ or MSN or Facebook is to a teenager of today .

Chinese festivals are what makes me feel most connected to this place . The emphasis on family, the continuity of culture and the passing on of spiritual software from one generation to the next is as evident in India as it is here in China . The Mid-Autumn Festival and moon cakes that are eaten while gazing at the moon have parallel in Indian tradition . The Festival of Sharad Purnima, which literally means Autumn full moon, is in the month of Ashvin ( September - October) . On this day the moon appears enormous as it rises on the horizon, magical in its enchantment the world over. This is the time for many festivities, poetry, art dance and music . Even in the busy urban globalized lifestyle of Indian cities, most people find time for Sharad purnima . On this day, it is customary to make sweet rice pudding at home . The bowl is kept in the moon light for cooling and families and friends gather on terraces to enjoy a moonlit repast . There is also a tradi tion of community dancing, to the beat of folk in struments and it is a wonderful sight to see beautifully be decked girls and boys singing, swinging and dancing to the folk beat in a courtyard lit only by the bright moon overhead.

The pace set by folk drums fasten, as do nimble feet and young heartbeats, their twinkling toes sift through the sand beneath and the hazy ambience and the crazy moon overhead make for a magical moment you may cherish forever.

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