Editorials

Sharing togetherness

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-09-22 08:11

There is a full moon every month. Yet

When the full moon lights up the sky tonight, not only astronomers, but also every Chinese would be marveling at its beauty.

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, this celestial body carries more than scientific implications. The Mid-Autumn Festival completes the quartet of the most celebrated Chinese festivals with Tomb Sweeping Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Spring Festival.

To understand the importance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, you just have to cast a cursory glance at any street or take a ride down any road, which are full of people and traffic.

Tonight is about sharing the full moon, moon cakes and our feelings with our loved ones. The festival may be known more for its association with moon cakes, the seasonal delicacy, and the utilitarian need of social functions, but it is its rich and magnificent symbolism that has won it a special place in the nation's cultural tapestry.

The pitiful truth is that utilitarianism is driving us further away from the romantic qualities our ancestors bestowed upon the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.

The origins of the festival and even moon cakes are not romantic at all. The festival has its origins in the ancient rituals of moon worship. Our ancestors, however, turned the solemn rituals into elegant entertainment.

Appreciating the full moon on this special night has thus become an occasion to celebrate with family members, relatives and all other loved ones. Moon cakes are an auspicious symbol of that celebration.

Year after year, generation after generation, the moon on this special night has inspired poets and writers and helped them create immortal literature. Every Moon Festival sees people recite indelible lines from long ago.

"May all be blessed with longevity. Though far apart, we share the beauty of the moon together." These lines by Song Dynasty (960-1279) poet Su Shi (1037-1101) remain a Moon Festival must. So is the famous saying of Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) poet Zhang Jiuling (AD 678-740): "From the remotest corners of the world, we share the moment when the bright moon rises above the sea."

With or without moon cakes, this festival is about sharing not just the elegance of the full moon, but also the good wishes. Just like the ancient poets and writers said, true love transcends the separation created by time and space.

So, congratulations if you are lucky to be with your family and loved ones. If not, let the full moon take that sense of togetherness to the depths of your heart.

Tonight, under the bright full moon, let us pray for all to be well, especially the victims of the Yushu earthquake, the Zhouqu landslides and other disasters.

We are together. And there is plenty to share.

(China Daily 09/22/2010 page4)