Why Not Worship the Mid-Autumn Festival Before Noon?
The 15th day of the 8th lunar month is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a special full moon compared to other full moon days. This is when the moon is at its brightest and roundest, and it usually falls after the harvest season. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for moon worship and family gatherings. Moon worship during the Mid-Autumn Festival is about giving thanks to the moon and wishing for a bright and bountiful life and harvest. For a long time, the Mid-Autumn Festival has been a time for family reunions. Since it is a moon worship festival, our ancestors advised against worshipping before noon, as that is when the moon is weakest and the sun is at its strongest. Therefore, it is most suitable to worship during the evening, when the moon is rising, so that one can worship and admire the moon while also enjoying its wonderful power and light.
Some Taboos During the Mid-Autumn Festival to Avoid Bad Luck
Do not point at the moon: Pointing at the moon, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, is considered disrespectful and may bring bad luck. The moon is revered as a deity, and the bright moon symbolizes perfection, completeness, and goodness. Pointing at the moon is seen as an offense to the moon deity and may lead to unfortunate consequences.
Ill persons should not stay out late: While the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of bright moonlight, it is also a time when yin energy is strong. Therefore, ill persons, pregnant women, and those who have just given birth should be cautious about staying out late at night to avoid catching a cold. In reality, the weather is changing during this time, and the night dew can be harmful to one’s health.
Do not wear dark-colored clothing: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of bright moonlight and colorful celebrations, so choosing bright and cheerful clothing is believed to bring good luck. Wearing dark colors is thought to attract bad luck and gloom, leading to unfortunate events and a somber family atmosphere. Yellow and red colors are considered particularly auspicious during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Our ancestors also believed that wearing red underwear during this time would bring good luck. Additionally, they thought that wearing a red bracelet on the hand or foot would attract love and romance.
Avoid letting your hair cover your forehead: Having hair covering the forehead is believed to reduce one’s luck and prevent blessings from the gods, as the forehead is associated with attracting wealth and fortune. Keep your forehead exposed to welcome good fortune.
Some Things to Do During the Mid-Autumn Festival
To welcome good luck during the Mid-Autumn Festival, our ancestors would carry lanterns and participate in moon-welcoming processions to bring lucky and joyful light. Decorating and cleaning the house to create a bright and cheerful atmosphere is also recommended. Light is believed to drive away evil spirits and negative energy. Lanterns not only add beauty and happiness but also have a fire element that helps ward off evil.
During this time, it is also customary to burn incense to worship ancestors and pray for fortune and luck at the temple. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions, so wearing red and decorating the house with a cheerful atmosphere is encouraged.
This information is for reference only.