Today is the Moon Festival. I don’t even remember when I last celebrated. I mean, real celebration. Sure, I have managed a few bites of moon cakes, but since I’ve never really enjoyed this part of the Moon Festival, it should not count. Being with my parents and sister. The last time this was even possible was 1994. Ten years ago. It’s been a long journey.
People say the Mid Autumn Festival (the literal translation of 中秋节, the Chinese name) to Chinese is what Thanksgiving to Americans. But from my memory, the Festival is always more associated with distant love than family reunions, right from the origin of the story. The image of 嫦娥 (Chang E) waving to the husband in the moon forever etched in my mind. Being physically apart, yet never closer in heart--it is type of romance we understand all too well. Not the chocolate, flower, fragrance type the westerners are more comfortable with.
When I drove back from Chicago last night, the full moon was hanging above in the sky, pouring the silver light all over the prairie. With me being one of the few cars traveling on the highway, cruising at 80 miles an hour, and Chinese pop music playing in my CD, I felt like I’m in another world. It is a strange feeling, but at the moment I enjoyed it. Being oneself and enjoying oneself in such a setting does not happen often, and I made sure I treasured the moment.
Happy Moon Festival, everyone!
Posted by Shamu at September 28, 2004 10:03 PMDuring the mid-autumn evening I was atop a cruise boat going around the city on the canals. The moon full and bright above, friends and strangers all about chatting and taking pictures and enjoying the time. Two thoughts came to mind. The first was when I was young and traveling with my parents in a car through the Arizona desert. It was evening and the full moon was before us, larger than I ever remember, and brighter than I ever remember.
All of us were amazed and enjoyed the sight. The second was more meaningful for me right now. Atop the boat, husbands chatting with wives, children looking around and lovers taking pictures of one another, pingtan music coming from below and I thought of my wife far, far away in America, and my children. I do not know if it was pleasant or sad. The cool breeze felt so sweet to me in my reverie.
JFS:
I share you feelings, though the distance between my wife and me pales in comparison with yours. Happy Moon Festival to you!
listening to Capriccio Italien Op.45, I was about to cry on my way home. That's my moon festival. I feel so far away from my home and sitting nowhere, weeping. nothing I can do abuot my fate.
I will just take that as my life.
The only thing I am missing is, people have 10 days off on the other side of the world, but we still gona struggle for the next week....
Posted by: Juju at October 1, 2004 09:17 PMJuju, think about the bright side--you can still go out and enjoy dinner or walk in a park. Now in China, it's a whole different story--everyone is on the loose! :)
Posted by: shamu at October 3, 2004 08:59 PM