中秋节习俗(精)

Different Celebrated¹ Forms

For thousands of years, the Chinese people have related the vicissitudes² of life to changes of the moon as it waxes and wanes³; joy and sorrow, parting and reunion. Because the full moon is round and symbolizes⁴ reunion, the Mid⁵-Autumn Festival is also known as the festival of reunion. All family members try to get together on this special day. Those who can not return home watch the bright moonlight and feel deep longing⁶ for their loved ones.

Today, festivities centered about the Mid-Autumn Festival are more varied⁷. After a family reunion dinner, many people like to go out to attend special perfomances in parks or on public squares.

People in different parts of China have different ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Guangzhou in South China, a huge lantern show is a big attraction for local citizens. Thousands of differently shaped lanterns are lit, forming a fantastic contrast with the bright moonlight.

Note

vicissitudes: n. 兴衰，变迁 symbolize: v. 象征 lantern: n. 灯笼

In East China's Zhejiang Province, watching the flood tide of the Qian-tang River during the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a must for local peple, but also an attraction for those from other parts of the country. The ebb⁸ and flow of tides coincide with the waxing and waning⁹ of the moon as it exerts a strong gravitational pull. In mid autumn, the sun, earth and moon send out strong gravitational forces upon the seas. The outh of the Qiantang River is shaped lik a bugle¹⁰. So the flood tide which forms at the narrow mouth is particularly impressive. Spectators crowd on the river bank, watching the roaring waves. At its peak, the tide rises as high as three and a half meters. 

Note

attraction: n. 吸引力 tide: n. 潮，潮汐 bugle: n. 喇叭，军号