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CHINESE FESTIVALS, FASTS, AND OBSERVANCES.
AUTUMN FESTIVAL.-This festival continues from the first to the sixteenth of the moon, during which period families visit and feast with each other, and friends interchange presents of moon cakes. These are round white cakes, with figures of men and women painted on them; they derive their name from a legend of an Emperor of the Tang dynasty, who being led one night to the palaces of the moon, saw there a large assemblage of female divinities, dancing and playing on instruments of music; on his return he instituted plays in commemoration of it.-Eighth moon, first day.
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CHUNG-TSIU.-Mid-autumn. This being the middle day of autumn, is the chief day of the autumnal festival; oblations are made to the moon on this day. On the following day young people amuse themselves by "pursuing the moon;" it is also called ho yuch "congratulating the moon.' On the evening of this day, every householder and boat man raises a lantern upon the top of a ship's pole from the highest part of his house or vessel, on which is inscribed hing ho chung toiu, "joyfully congratulate the middle of autumn.” Called by foreigners' Feast of Lanterns-Eighth moon, fifteenth day.
NAN-TAU-SING-KIUN.-Starry god of the south Pole descends; this god belongs to the sect of Rationalists.-Ninth moon, first day.
TAU-MU-YUEN-KIUN.-Mother of the Dipper; a goddess adored to obtain happiness and long life. This day is also observed as a time to visit graves, and for children to fly kites; it is called from this tan kau, "ascending on high."-Ninth moon, ninth day.
COCOON FESTIVAL.-On a fortunate day of the ninth moon, the Empress, either personally or by proxy, accompanied by a train of princesses and honourable lalies, repairs to the altar sacred to the discoverer of Silkworms. After sacrificing, the Empress with golden, and the princess with silver implements, collect mulberry leaves to feed the imperial silkworms. They then wind off some cocoons of silk, and so end the ceremony. This very ancient festival is considered as the counterpart of the agricultural one observed by the Emperor in the spring.
SIEN-FUNG YANG-ze-ye-ye.-Lord of the Front Spear; worshipped to obtain success and profit in life and business.--Ninth moon, seventeenth day.
WA-HWANG TA-TI.-God of Fire: worshipped by all classes with great parade to preserve houses and shops from fire. The temples dedicated to this idol in the city of Canton are more numerous than to any other deity.-Ninth moon, twenty-eighth day.
TUNG-KWANG TA-TI.-Eastern August Great Ruler: a god of the Rationalists.- Tenth moon, first day.
TA-TSIAU.-The nine gods of the Great Bear descend; worshipped by the Rationalists, and generally also by the people, tradesmen, and others, for peace. The period is usually chosen for worshipping wandering spirits as well as these gods; the rites are called Ta-tsiau. They are in Canton among the most showy idolatrous ceremonies. People living in three or four streets combine, and ornament the streets with chandeliers, puppets, figures, and scrolls, and fit up a room for religious exercises to appease the wandering kwei.-Tenth moon, first to ninth day.
TAY-SHIN LIU-sz'.-God of Small-pox: his name was Liú, and he is accommodated with a niche in other temples.-Tenth moon, fifteenth day.
PEH-KIH-TZ-SWI.-Also Wú Yoh Wú Ti; the festival of gods of the Five Hills and the Five Rulers, names of five places and five deities collectively worshipped. The Five Hills are Tai-shan in Shantung, Hang-shan in Hunan, Heva-shan in Shensi, Hang-shan in Chibli, and Sung-shan in Honam. The Five Rulers are the Azure, Red, Yellow, and Black Shangti.-Tenth moon, twenty-sixth day.
FESTIVAL OF CONFUCIUS.-Confucius born; bis festival is observed by officers of government and scholars, who repair to his temples.-Eleventh moon, fourth day.
Julai Budha.-Ancient festival of the Prince and his officers going to the annual hunt. Also of the Julai Budha.-Eleventh moon, eleventh day.
ОMETO FUн, Amida Budha.-Eleventh moon, seventeenth day.
KWANYIN.-Festival of Kwányin.-She has three during the year, all of which are observed by the people.-Eleventh day.
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