This year's Mid-Autumn Festival is very different from previous years, because in 2023, this traditional festival quietly contains a special mystery. Some say that the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2023 is unusual because there are five specific zodiac signs that need to "hide from the moon". So, which five zodiac signs need to hide from the moon, and how? Let's dive into the mystery of this fascinating Mid-Autumn Festival.
The origin and historical evolution of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the 15th day of August in the lunar calendar, is a traditional festival that carries a thousand years of culture. It originated from the "Moon Festival" of the ancients and is a worship of the "moon god". In the early days, the Moon Festival was held on the day of the "autumnal equinox" solar term, one of the 24 solar terms, but this also caused a problem, because during the autumnal equinox, there may not be a full moon to enjoy the moon, which is regrettable.
Later, in order to better appreciate the full moon, this custom was gradually fixed on the 15th day of August in the lunar calendar, no longer associated with the autumnal equinox solar term. This change was officially established in the Northern Song Dynasty, and at the same time, the Mid-Autumn Festival gradually evolved from moon worship to customs such as moon viewing and moon songs, and became an important traditional festival of mainland folk.
The special features of the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2023
However, this year's Mid-Autumn Festival has something unique. First of all, 2023 is a double spring year, that is, there is a beginning of spring at the beginning of the year and at the end of the year, forming the so-called "double spring year". This phenomenon is caused by the addition of a leap month in 2023 in the lunar calendar, so there are 25 solar terms for the whole year.
More interestingly, according to the dry branch chronology, the heavenly stem in 2023 is 癸, and the earth branch is 卯, so the year 2023 in the lunar calendar is also called the "year of decoction". The zodiac sign corresponding to 卯 is the rabbit, and 癸 corresponds to "water" in the five elements, so 2023 is also known as the "Year of the Black Rabbit". This special year also has a beautiful meaning, which is jokingly called "Black Rabbit Sending Fiscal Year".
In addition, the reason why this year's Mid-Autumn Festival is more special is that it is after the autumnal equinox. This situation is equivalent to a "late mid-autumn festival", and there is a folk proverb that says: "After the mid-autumn equinox, the year is happy and worry-free", which means that such a year is often smooth and rainy, and grain will also usher in a bumper harvest.
The impact of the Mid-Autumn Festival on different zodiac signs
However, the ancients believed that different years also had an impact on the fortunes of different genera, and this year's year is special, so during the Mid-Autumn Festival, some zodiac people need to take special measures, which is called "hiding from the moon".
So, which five zodiac signs need to "hide from the moon" in the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2023? According to traditional culture, this year's zodiac signs are rabbit, chicken, mouse, dragon, and horse. People of these five zodiac signs need to be extra careful to avoid unlucky things and usher in good luck.
How to hide from the moon
Similar to the method of hiding from spring, people who are too old for the zodiac sign are better to stay at home on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, especially at night, away from crowds and avoid participating in lively celebrations. At the same time, stay calm, avoid disputes with others, and do not go to dangerous places such as rivers, ponds, or wilderness.
This custom of "hiding from the moon" actually tells us to stay away from dangerous and dispute-prone places. Especially on the day of reunion during the Mid-Autumn Festival, harmony and happiness are the most important. If there is a dispute because of some small things, it will not only make you unhappy, but also affect the reunion and happiness of your family.
This year's Mid-Autumn Festival is significantly different from previous years, because 2023 is a double spring year and a "black rabbit fiscal year". In this particular year, we see the reappearance of the custom of "hiding from the moon", reminding those of the zodiac signs of rabbits, chickens, rats, dragons, and horses to be careful. Hiding from the moon is not a superstition, but a traditional cultural expression that urges people to stay away from danger, avoid unnecessary strife, and enjoy happy times with their families.
So, whether you believe in these traditional customs or not, the most important thing about the Mid-Autumn Festival is reunion and happiness. No matter which zodiac sign you are, you can spend time with your loved ones during this beautiful festival, taste delicious mooncakes, look up at the bright moonlight together, and feel the deep happiness and warmth.
This Mid-Autumn Festival, think about these customs in traditional culture, behind them lies profound wisdom and cultural inheritance. Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with your family is undoubtedly the best way to do it, whether you belong to rabbits, chickens, rats, dragons, horses, or other zodiac signs. I wish you all a warm and happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
What are the new vitality of customs such as "hiding from the moon" and "hiding from spring" in modern society?
In modern society, traditional customs such as "hiding from the moon" and "hiding from spring" still maintain vitality, and although they may have evolved, they still play an important role in people's lives. Here are some of the new vitality of these customs in modern society:
Festivals and folk events: Although the lifestyle of modern society has changed dramatically, many places still hold traditional festival festivals and folk events, such as Spring Festival temple fairs and Mid-Autumn Festival moon viewing parties. These events are not only a way to celebrate traditional culture, but also attract a large number of tourists and become an important part of local tourism.
Cultural education and inheritance: Schools and cultural institutions are paying more and more attention to the education and transmission of traditional culture. Students learn about seasonal customs and participate in handicraft making and performance activities to learn about traditional values and cultural heritage.
Cultural programs and media: Modern media platforms such as television, film, and the Internet offer new forms of expression to traditional practices. For example, the Spring Festival Gala is an important program during the Chinese New Year, where traditional cultural elements are integrated and attract hundreds of millions of viewers.
Business opportunities: Many businesses see business opportunities behind traditional customs. They launch season-related products such as customized seasonal gifts, food, clothing, etc. to meet people's consumption needs.
Community activities and volunteer work: Some community organizations spontaneously organize activities related to traditional customs, such as community Spring Festival parties or Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. These activities help build community cohesion and provide opportunities for volunteers to get involved.
Cultural and international exchanges: Traditional customs are also disseminated and promoted internationally. Foreigners actively participate in China's Spring Festival celebrations, promoting exchanges and interactions between different cultures.
Mental health and well-being: Traditional practices emphasize reunion, blessing and celebration and contribute to people's mental health and well-being. People who participate in these customs usually feel more fulfilled and happy.
In short, although the way of life in modern society has changed dramatically, traditional customs still have new vitality. They play an important role in the cultural, social and commercial spheres, providing a bridge between the past and the present, enriching people's life experiences, and contributing to the inheritance and diversification of cultures.
【Phoenix Court Review】
The special features of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival are indeed worthy of our attention and consideration. Traditional culture and customs still have a significant influence in modern society, and the custom of "hiding from the moon" is a clear example.
The actual practice of this custom is relatively simple, and people who are too old for the zodiac sign to stay at home on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, especially at night, away from crowds and avoid participating in lively celebrations. Behind this approach lies the desire for peace, harmony and happiness.
I think there are several important points worth considering about this custom. First, it reflects China's deep traditional culture and emphasizes the importance of reunion and family. Whether or not you believe in this custom, the Mid-Autumn Festival is still a time for family reunion, a value that has a positive impact on social stability and the establishment of family relationships.
Secondly, this custom also reflects people's sensitivity to fortune and good luck. Although modern society is more scientific and rational, traditional beliefs still subtly influence people's decision-making and behavior. In a way, this belief can be seen as an emotional catharsis and comfort that makes people feel that there is a way to control their destiny.
However, it is worth noting that this custom also has certain limitations. It can cause some people to worry too much about bad luck or even avoid social activities, thus missing out on opportunities to interact and communicate with others. Therefore, between traditional culture and modern society, we need to find a balance that respects tradition without worrying too much about bad luck.
All in all, this year's Mid-Autumn Festival "dodge the moon" custom is part of China's rich cultural tradition, reflecting people's yearning for reunion, peace and happiness. Although modern society has changed dramatically, the custom still retains some vitality and its impact on society and culture remains. As we continue to pass on these traditions, we should treat them rationally and in a balanced manner, allowing them to integrate with modern life and values to build a more harmonious society.
【Poetry Review】
When the bright moon shines on the home,
The five zodiac signs are afraid of the moon.
Mid-Autumn Festival reunion,
Traditional customs linger.
Double spring to black rabbit sending,
Water rabbit years with wealth.
Cultural inheritance is eternal,
Reunion happiness is sweet.
Text/Shiman
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