TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋節) in Taiwan is a time when families and friends get together for barbecues, moon gazing, enjoying mooncakes, and wearing pomelo hats, but there are also taboos traditionally observed to ensure good fortune and health.
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunisolar calendar, which this year is Tuesday (Sept. 17). Although the holiday is generally a festive time, there are some taboos observed to avoid negative energy, offending the goddess of the moon Chang'e (嫦娥), and missing out on blessings, per Sister Tao.
1. Do not eat mooncakes or fruits that are not round
In ancient times, the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolized the full moon, family reunion, and harmony. Therefore, when eating mooncakes, avoid those with sharp angles.
The fruits used as offerings for ancestors and deities should also be round, and avoid choosing pears (a homophone for "separate") to ensure family harmony.
2. Do not point at the moon
Since most of the activities of the Mid-Autumn Festival are related to the moon, it has been regarded as a moon worship festival since ancient times. According to folklore, Wu Kang (吳剛) and Chang’e live on the moon and it is believed that pointing at the moon is disrespectful to these deities.
3. Do not visit riverside or beach
On this day, the moon's gravitational pull can cause tides, and the waves may be larger, especially during stormy weather, potentially leading to dangerous rogue waves. Avoid water activities or going to the seaside around the Mid-Autumn Festival.
4. Do not look at moon if in poor health
In ancient times, the sun was considered to have yang energy (positive energy), while the full moon has yin energy (negative energy). Therefore, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a day with strong yin energy, which can affect people with weaker health.
5. Do not go to places with heavy yin energy
Due to the strong yin forces during the Mid-Autumn Festival, it’s best to avoid dark, shadowy places, such as under banyan trees, to prevent being affected by negative energies.
6. Do not decorate with fake flowers
When decorating one's home, use choose fresh flowers, especially on the Mid-Autumn Festival. Avoid using artificial or preserved flowers, as they are believed to attract bad luck.
In addition, it is said that the Mid-Autumn Festival is the birthday of Yue Lao (月老), the god of matchmaking). Therefore, single people seeking romance can visit a Yue Lao temple on this day, offering fresh flowers and candies to pray for a good relationship.
7. Do not cover forehead with hair
In ancient times, the forehead was seen as the soul's palace. It was believed that if one lifted bangs off the forehead during Mid-Autumn Festival then Chang'e would see it and blessings would be received.
8. Do not swim outdoors at night
The moon’s reflection can appear in outdoor swimming pools or at the seaside at night. To avoid showing disrespect to Chang'e, it is best to avoid swimming outdoors at night during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
