The Autumn Equinox was once the traditional "Moon Worship Festival." In ancient times, there was a saying: "Sacrifice to the sun in spring, sacrifice to the moon in autumn." The present Mid-Autumn Festival originated from the traditional "Moon Worship Festival." According to historical research, the original "Moon Worship Festival" was set on the day of the Autumn Equinox. However, since the dates of the Autumn Equinox within the eighth lunar month varied each year, there was not always a full moon on that day. Worshiping the moon without a moon would spoil the atmosphere. Therefore, the "Moon Worship Festival" was later moved from the Autumn Equinox to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Origin of Moon Worship on the Autumn Equinox

According to historical records, as early as the Zhou Dynasty, ancient emperors already had the custom of sacrificing to the sun on the Vernal Equinox, the earth on the Summer Solstice, the moon on the Autumn Equinox, and heaven on the Winter Solstice. The places of sacrifice were called the Sun Altar, Earth Altar, Moon Altar, and Heaven Altar, located respectively in the east, south, west, and north. The Moon Altar in Beijing was the site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to the moon. The Book of Rites states: "The Son of Heaven worships the sun in spring and worships the moon in autumn. To worship the sun in the morning, and to worship the moon in the evening." The phrase "to worship the moon in the evening" specifically refers to moon sacrifices at night. This custom was not only practiced by the royal court and the aristocracy but, with the development of society, also gradually spread among the common people.

Egg Balancing

On every Autumn Equinox, tens of millions of people around the world attempt the "egg balancing" experiment. Although regarded as a "Chinese custom," it has somehow become a "world game," though its origin remains difficult to trace. The practice itself is simple and interesting: select a smooth, well-proportioned, fresh chicken egg, usually laid four or five days earlier, and carefully try to stand it upright on a flat surface. While many fail, quite a few succeed. The Autumn Equinox thus became the best time for this game, giving rise to the saying: "When the Autumn Equinox arrives, eggs stand tall." Upright eggs indeed present an impressive sight.

Eating Autumn Vegetables

In the Lingnan region, in the past among the Four Counties (now Five Counties, with Heshan included), in Kaiping's Cangcheng, the Xie clan observed an unofficial custom called "Eating Autumn Vegetables on the Autumn Equinox." "Autumn Vegetables" refer to a kind of wild amaranth, known locally as "Autumn Bihao." On the Autumn Equinox, the entire village would gather to pick these vegetables. In the fields, they were often found as tender green plants, slender and about the length of a palm. The harvested vegetables were typically cooked with fish slices to make a soup called "Autumn Soup." There was a local rhyme that went: "Autumn soup cleanses the stomach, washing the liver and intestines. The whole family, young and old, will be safe and healthy." Each autumn, people prayed for household peace and strong health.

Flying Kites

The Autumn Equinox is the best time for kite flying. Especially on this day, when the weather is clear and pleasant, not only do children enjoy flying kites, but adults also participate, making it an activity for family interaction. Types of kites include the "King" character kite, silver carp kite, cicada kite, beetle kite, and moonlight kite. The largest can reach two meters high, while the smallest are only about two or three feet. Some regions also hold kite-flying competitions, where the highest or most beautiful kite wins. It is also believed to bring good fortune for the latter half of the year, as expressed in the saying: "With the help of the wind, I will rise to the blue sky."

Sending the Autumn Ox

With the arrival of the Autumn Equinox came the custom of distributing "Autumn Ox Pictures." These were printed on red or yellow paper, featuring the full lunar calendar of the year along with illustrations of farmers plowing fields, hence called "Autumn Ox Pictures." The distributors were usually folk singers, who recited auspicious verses related to autumn plowing and seasonal blessings. At each household, they improvised lines based on what they observed, delighting the hosts, who in turn rewarded them with money. Though spoken spontaneously, the words always carried rhythm and charm. This custom was known as "Speaking of Autumn," and the performers were called "Autumn Officials."

Sticking Rice Dumplings for Birds

On the day of the Autumn Equinox, farmers traditionally took a holiday. Every household would make glutinous rice dumplings (tangyuan). Additionally, a dozen or two dozen dumplings without fillings would be boiled, then skewered with thin bamboo sticks and placed near the fields or ridges. This custom, called "Sticking Dumplings to Birds' Mouths," was meant to prevent sparrows from damaging the crops.

Translator: KAN Bowen

Reviewer: LIU Qingchen