Take a look at how the ancients enjoyed the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival
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Poems on the Mid-Autumn Festival that express the deepest feelings of family affection – Moonlit Night (by Du Fu of the Tang Dynasty): Tonight, the moon shines over Fuzhou; I am the only one who watches it in my room. I pity the young children, who yet cannot recall Chang’an. Fragrant mist moistens her hair, while the gentle light chills her jade-like arms. When shall I lean on the sheer curtain, as the light shines and dries my tears?
The most scientifically fantastical: \"Mu Lan Hua Man\" (by Xin Qiji of the Song Dynasty) – Alas, where does the moon go tonight, drifting away so slowly? Is there another world? Only over there can one see it, in the light and shadow at the eastern end? Is it beyond the heavens, with vast empty spaces, yet is the strong wind carrying the Mid-Autumn spirit? Who ties the flying mirror, rootless as it is? If Chang’e doesn’t marry, who will stay? It is said that asking beneath the sea yields no answer, leaving one in a state of confusion and sorrow. Afraid of the giant whales that, as they move about, might destroy the jade palaces and splendid buildings. Frogs can indeed bathe in water; then why can the jade rabbit float and sink? If the capital is safe and unharmed, why is it gradually taking on a hook-like shape?
Most full of vigor: Osmanthus Flowers on the Night of the 15th Day of August at Tianzhu Temple (by Pi Rixiu of the Tang Dynasty) – Jade-like blossoms fall like drops from the moon; in front of the temple, one can pick up the fresh dewdrops. To this day, matters of the heavens remain unknown; surely it was Chang’e who handed them to man.
The most widely known poem about the Mid-Autumn Festival is \"Prelude to Water Melody\" by Su Shi. When will the bright moon appear? I raise my cup and ask the heavens. I wonder what year it is tonight in the celestial palaces. I wish to return on the wind, yet I fear the lofty palaces of jade and crystal, where the cold is too intense to bear. Dancing with one’s shadow, how is it not like being in the human world? Turning to the vermilion pavilion, lowering the embroidered doors, illuminating those who cannot sleep. There should be no hatred; why does the moon always appear full at parting? There are joys and sorrows, partings and reunions in life; the moon waxes and wanes, full and empty. Such things have never been perfect since ancient times. May we all be healthy for long; though separated by miles, we can still share the beauty of the moon together.
Most magnificent and sublime: Gazing at the Moon and Thinking of Those Far Away (by Zhang Jiuling of the Tang Dynasty). The moon rises over the sea; we share this moment across the world. Lovers complain of the long nights, lost in longing all through the night. Extinguishing the candle, I cherish the lingering light; putting on my robe, I feel the dew. Too precious to give away, I return to bed, dreaming of a better day.
The most desolate poem about the Mid-Autumn Festival: Viewing the Moon on the Fifteenth Night (by Wang Jian of the Tang Dynasty). The courtyard is covered in white frost; crows perch on the trees, while the cold dew silently wets the osmanthus flowers. Tonight the moon shines bright, and everyone gazes at it; who knows whose heart will be filled with autumnal melancholy?
The most melancholic poem about the Mid-Autumn Festival: Viewing the Moon from Pianting on the Night of the 15th of August (by Bai Juyi of the Tang Dynasty). On the night of the 15th of August in previous years, by the Qujiang Lake and near the Apricot Garden. On the night of August 15th this year, in front of the Shuitan Water Pavilion in Pupu. Where is home when gazing northwest? How many times has the moon been full in the southeast? Last night, the wind blew and no one was there; tonight, the clear light is just as it was in former years.
The most philosophical poem on the Mid-Autumn Festival: The Moon on Mid-Autumn Festival (by Li Qiao of the Tang Dynasty). The round moon hangs in the cold sky; it is said that all regions of the world are united. But how can we know that there isn’t rain and wind thousands of miles away?
A Song of a Stranger in a Foreign Land – Thoughts in the Quiet Night, by Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty. Before my bed the moonlight shines; I think it’s frost on the ground. I look up at the bright moon; I bow my head in thought of home.
The Romantic Li Bai: Drinking Alone under the Moonlight, by Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty. A pot of wine among the flowers; drinking alone, with no one by my side. Raising my cup to invite the moon, with my shadow, we’re three. The moon cannot drink, its shadow merely follows me. Temporarily accompany the moon and its shadow; one must enjoy life while spring lasts. I wander like a song under the moon, my dance leaves scattered shadows. When awake, we enjoy each other’s company; when drunk, we go our separate ways. Let us embark on a journey free of affection, meeting again beyond the distant stars.
The Moon on the Night of the 15th of August, by Du Fu of the Tang Dynasty: The full moon is like a bright mirror in the sky; my longing to return home is as sharp as a great sword. The millet stalk wanders far across the land; reaching for the osmanthus, it looks up high into the sky. The waterways seem covered in frost and snow; in the forests, feathers can be seen. At this moment, gazing at the white rabbit, one feels like trying to count its finest hairs.