中秋佳节的演讲稿

Dear fellow international students,
As the full moon rises high in the sky and the aroma of mooncakes fills the air, we gather to celebrate one of the most cherished festivals in Chinese culture: the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. This is a time for family reunions, sharing stories, and looking up at the bright full moon. Today, I’d like to share with you the significance of this festival, its traditions, and how we can celebrate it together, even when we're far away from home.

The Legend Behind the Festival

Every festival has its own unique history, and the Mid-Autumn Festival is no exception. One of the most popular legends is the story of Chang'e, a beautiful lady who lives on the moon. According to the legend, Chang'e drank an elixir of immortality to save her village from greedy soldiers but was then forced to ascend to the moon where she remains alone, except for her companion, the Jade Rabbit. Every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, people look up at the full moon, thinking about their loved ones, just like Chang'e does.

The Significance of the Full Moon

The full moon is the centerpiece of the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Chinese culture, a full moon symbolizes completeness and unity. It's believed that the moon is at its brightest and fullest on this night, which makes it the perfect time to gather with family and friends. The roundness of the moon is also associated with family reunions and the hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. For us international students, while we may not be able to physically reunite with our families, we can still feel connected through the shared experience of looking at the same full moon.

Traditions and Customs

There are many traditional activities and customs associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Let’s explore some of them:

• Moon Gazing (赏月 Shǎng yuè): As mentioned, the highlight of the festival is gazing at the full moon. This is often done outdoors, sometimes with lanterns, and always with family and friends.
• Mooncakes (月饼 Yuè bǐng): These are special pastries filled with sweet fillings such as lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or egg yolks. They are often given as gifts and enjoyed with tea.
• Lanterns (灯笼 Dēng lóng): Colorful lanterns are displayed and carried around, especially by children. There are various shapes and sizes, including animal-shaped lanterns and floating lanterns released into the sky.
• Dragon and Lion Dances (舞龙舞狮 Wǔ lóng wǔ shī): These are energetic performances that involve dancers dressed in dragon or lion costumes. They are meant to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.

Celebrating Abroad

Being away from home doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Here are some ways to enjoy the festivities even if you’re miles away:

• Organize a Mooncake Party: Invite your classmates or friends over for a mooncake tasting party. You can buy different types of mooncakes and try them together. Don't forget to serve some Chinese tea to complement the sweet treats!
• Create Your Own Lanterns: Get creative and make your own lanterns using materials available locally. You can decorate them with Chinese characters, drawings, or anything that represents your culture. Then, take a walk around your neighborhood or campus with your handmade lanterns.
• Virtual Family Gathering: Use technology to connect with your family back home. Set up a video call and share your experiences with each other. Maybe even show them around your dorm room or the city you're studying in.
• Learn About Other Cultures: The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in many East Asian countries, each with its own unique traditions. Take this opportunity to learn about these cultures and perhaps even try out some of their customs.

Conclusion

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a wonderful time to reflect on our connections with family and friends, no matter how far apart we may be. By embracing the traditions and sharing them with others, we can create a sense of community and belonging, even in a foreign land. So, let’s raise a cup of tea to the full moon, wishing everyone a happy and prosperous Mid-Autumn Festival!