Mid-Autumn Day The August Moon Festival or Mid- Autumn Festival is one of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is held on the 15th day of the 8 th 【 1 】 lunar month . Chinese legends say that the moon is at its brightest and roundest on this day. The August Moon Festival is often called the Women's Festival. The moon symbolizes elegance and beauty. While Westerners worship the sun ("yang or male) for its power, people in 【 2 】 the Far East 【 3 】 admire the moon. The moon is the yin"or female principle and it is a 【 4 】 trusted friend . Chinese parents often name their daughters after the moon, in hope that they will be as lovely as the moon. Families get together to eat moon-cakes and celebrate the end of the harvest season on this day .Scholars write poems about the moon. This night is also made for 【 5 】 romantic rendezvous. Friendships are made and renewed. No wonder the August Moon Festival has a special meaning to all who believe in the mystical powers of the moon. China is an agricultural country, and farming is closely related to the seasons. 【 6 】 In ancient times , farmers worshipped the【 7 】 Earth God to 【 8 】 pray for a good harvest , when they sowed the seeds in spring. This was known as【 9 】 spring worship . During autumn. farmers also worshipped the Earth God to thank him for giving them a good harvest. This was known as autumn reward. Since the 15th of the 8th month is the time when rice paddies are harvested, some people believe that the Mid-Autumn Festival came from【 10 】 the autumn reward ritual .