What do people worship during the Mid-Autumn Festival in the Minnan region
During the Mid-Autumn Festival in the Minnan region, people usually worship the Moon Goddess, ancestors, and some places also worship the Jade Emperor.1. Worship the Moon Goddess
Like other regions, the Minnan area has the custom of worshipping the moon, known as worshipping the Moon Goddess.
To worship the moon, a large incense table is set up, with mooncakes, watermelons, apples, red dates, plums, grapes, and other offerings placed on it. Under the moonlight, the "Moon God" tablet is placed facing the direction of the moon. Candles are burning brightly, and the whole family takes turns worshipping the moon, praying for blessings and protection.
2. Worship Ancestors
In the Minnan region, people also pay respects to their ancestors during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is usually done at home by worshipping the tablets of ancestors and deceased relatives. If conditions permit, they can also visit the graves to offer sacrifices.
The offerings for ancestor worship are usually collected after the ceremony and distributed by the head of the family. In some places, the offerings are re-cooked and used as dishes for the Mid-Autumn night family meal.
3. Worship the Jade Emperor
In some areas of the Minnan region, people worship the Jade Emperor before worshipping the Moon Goddess.
The Jade Emperor, also known as the Heavenly Emperor, is the highest deity in the heavens and holds great significance in the Minnan region. People believe that the Moon Goddess is under the jurisdiction of the Jade Emperor, so it is customary to worship the Jade Emperor first before worshipping the Moon Goddess as a sign of respect.
What does "Wu Lu Zi" mean during the Mid-Autumn Festival
"Wu Lu Zi" is one of the customs during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it is a children's activity.In the past, the game of "Wu Lu Zi" was very popular among children during the Mid-Autumn Festival. "Wu Lu Zi" involves carving patterns into the shell of a pomelo, which can then hold a lantern. Children would carry them in groups, or carry various lanterns shaped like animals and fruits, walking along the streets while singing "Wu Lu Songs": "Wu Lu Zi, Wu Lu Er, light the lamp. Those who understand culture value culture, reading is the most important in the world. Do not say that literature is useless, anciently it is said that one character is worth a thousand gold pieces, and there will be noble people from books..." After playing, the children would return home to eat mooncakes and other fruits.
Tradition of Moon Viewing and Chasing the Moon
The tradition of moon viewing and chasing the moon originates from the Mid-Autumn Festival's moon worship.It is said that on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the moon is closest to the earth, and it is the largest and brightest full moon of the year. Therefore, since ancient times, there have been customs of having banquets and viewing the moon. Daughters-in-law returning to their parents' home must return to their husband's home on this day, symbolizing completeness and auspiciousness.
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, there is also a custom called "chasing the moon." "Chasing the moon" refers to the practice of continuing moon-viewing activities the next evening after the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when people still feel excited about the festival. This activity is called "chasing the moon."
In addition to moon viewing, some regions (such as the famous Qiantang River area) have the custom of "watching the tide" during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In ancient times, apart from moon viewing, watching the tide was another major event during the Mid-Autumn Festival in the Zhejiang area, with corresponding events held every year.
