Mid-autumn festival in 2021

In the Zhou Dynasty (1066 B.C.-221 B.C.), worshipping the moon on Mid-autumn festival was very popular. Below the mo-
on, big incense burner tables were arranged, on which there were moon cakes, watermelons, apples, red dates, plums, gra-
pes and many other sacrificial offerings. Moon cakes and watermelons were requisite. After the worship, the big round mo-
on cake would be divided into several parts according to the number of family members.

In the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), appreciating the moon on Mid-autumn festival prevailed and people attached much
importance to the worship of the moon. Mid-autumn festival began to become a permanent festival in the Tang Dynasty.

Mid-autumn festival became prosperous in the Song Dynasty (960-1279 A.D.). In the northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 A.D.),
on the night of the moon festival, all the people, both old and young, rich and poor, were all well dressed up and burnt incense,
praying for the bless of the moon. In the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 A.D.), people gave each other moon cakes as gifts
in the symbol of reunion.

In the Ming (1368-1644 A.D.) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911A.D.), the custom of Mid-autumn festival became even more pre-
vailing, such as burning incense, releasing sky lanterns and watching fire dragon dance. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, Mid-
autumn festival was as famous as the New Year’s Day and it was also one of the major festivals of China .