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An Introduction to Mid-Autumn Festival or Mooncake Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Lantern or Mooncake festival, falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar or roughly 25th September on the Western calendar. This is one of the more important festival for the Chinese around the world.

On the night of the moon cakes Festival, Chinese all over the world celebrate by sitting down with friends and relatives to sip Chinese tea, eat moon-cakes, recite poems, listen to classical Chinese music and admire the full moon. (Check it out! It will be a full moon on 25th September this year). Chinese children will light and carry paper lanterns and play with sparklers and fireworks. How did this festival come about?

Well, there are two popular theories on how did Autumn mooncake festival came about.

Shooting down Ten Suns

It is said that there was once when ten suns appeared at once in the sky. This caused tremendous suffering as the land was parched, crops failed and people were dying of thirst and hunger. The then Chinese Emperor ordered a famous archer to shoot down the nine extra suns being careful to leave the last sun behind.

The archer easily completed the task with his bow and arrow and the Goddess of Western Heaven rewarded the archer with a pill that would make him immortal. However, his wife found the pill, took it, and was banished to the moon as a result. Legend says that her beauty is greatest on the day of the Moon festival and it is not uncommon for people to claim that they see her image during the full moon period of the month of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

From then on, people would light lanterns on Mid-Autumn festival to remember the time when the earth was shone upon by 10 suns. So, on Mid-Autumn Festival, look carefully and see if you can make out the silhouette of a Chinese lady dancing in the moon!

Overthrowing the Mongol invaders

Another popular legend has it that the Chinese threw off their Mongol oppressors in 1368 AD during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

China was invaded and in the hands of the Mongol during this period and the Mongols ruled China with a iron hand and the common Chinese people suffered tremendously during this period. The Chinese planned to rebel but had a hard time coming up with a comprehensive plan as the Mongols were very cruel and would punish the people easily if they even suspect a rebellion was being planned.

It is said that mooncakes – which the Mongols did not eat – were the perfect vehicle for hiding and passing along plans for the rebellion. Families were instructed not to eat the mooncakes until the day of the moon festival, which is when the rebellion took place. On the day of the festival, the Chinese broke open the moon cake, read the instructions to raise a rebellion and together with a united voice and action, overthrew the Mongols on this fateful day.

To remember this day when the Chinese overthrew the cruel Mongols, the Chinese in later generations would remember this day by eating Mooncakes whenever it is Mid-Autumn festival.

Well, whatever the legend is, the Mid-Autumn festival is one where Chinese families around the world would get together and celebrate together. So, if you have a Chinese friend or neighbor, why not say a Happy “Zhong Chiu Jie” or Mid-Autumn festival to them!

Source: http://www.chinese-culture.net/html/Mid_Autumn_Festival.html

Beach Wedding Attire

Want to change the atmosphere of your wedding? Beach wedding could be your new choice. If you want a wedding in the vicinity, you should choose attire that is suitable for your wedding.

As destination weddings become increasingly popular, more and more couple are planning beach weddings. Though the beach makes a beautiful backdrop for a wedding, you must take extra consideration when planning your attire for a beach wedding wedding. The bride, groom and the wedding party must be comfortable and cool, yet still stylish.

Beach Bridal Gowns

Gowns for a beach wedding are usually less formal than those for a traditional church wedding. Long trains, ball gowns and large headpieces are not the norm. Your gown should be made of a lightweight fabric, such as chiffon, satin or silk. Short or tea length dresses are very appropriate. Don’t choose a skirt that is too light, as the wind may cause problems.

You don’t need to stick to white for a beach wedding. Many beach brides choose cream colors to match the sand. For bridesmaids, select a pale blue shade to match the colors of the ocean. Spaghetti straps, halters and sleeveless gowns are perfect for a beach wedding. If you want to cover your shoulders a bit, cap sleeves are also nice. Long sleeves are inappropriate for a beach wedding. Because of the wind factor, you should skip the veil and instead decorate your hair with tropical flowers.

Bridal Shoes

Skip your shoes altogether! Walking barefoot on the sand is perfect for a beach wedding. If don’t want to be without shoes, low heeled sandals or flip flops are also appropriate. Choose shoes in silver, pale blue or off white. Shoes with embellishments, such as beading or stones, are perfect for beach wedding attire.

Beach Wedding Attire for Men

A linen suit is perfect for the groom and his attendants. Choose a light colored suit without a tie, or even white pants with a light button down shirt.

Whatever wedding attire you choose for your beach wedding, just make sure that it’s comfortable and you love it! Enjoy your special day!

If you are looking for wedding favors for your beach wedding, you can find a fabulous selection right here at Truly!. Don’t foget to check out our summer wedding favors.

Source: http://www.floweradvisor.com.sg/lifestyle/women/weddings/11851/beach_wedding_attire/

See Also : Mid autumn festival, Moon cakes festival, Autumn mooncake

Are You Lost And Lonely Try Out Singles Dating Sites

Are you single and ready to mingle? If you are searching for a soul mate, singles dating sites is a must visit. There are people who start online dating with a lot of inhibitions but with time they figure out everything and change there dating lives to the better. Many people have a perception that dating sites are only frequented by jokers. This is a major misconception which might hinder you from getting the love you deserve. There is a person for every one and if all the local potential partners disappoint you, there is a chance that you were meant for international dating. There are some young women who are saying that the legible men are few.

Sometimes it seems like the good ones are already taken. Do not chase after married men, you can get one of your own. Venture into singles dating sites and start to browse the many dating profiles. I can tell you it is fun. The dating sites have many features which makes them worth visiting. Have you ever thought that there can be a love calculator, personalized matchmaking services and more. I love viewing albums. Do you? If it is one of your hobbies, you will be able to view up to ten photos of different singles. Most singles are young and beautiful so off course you will love what you will see. In married dating sites the photos are few and not so attractive because after all they are not supposed to attract anyone.

In singles dating sites you will meet young, excited and interesting people who will keep you psyched up. Leave the married men young girl, singles are every where only if you know where to meet them. Focus is something very important in life. If you visit a general dating site you might attract the wrong kind of people. Every Tom, Dick and hurry will come your way and confuse your course. There are divorced men and women who have issues which they might infect you with. You are innocent and pure so do not pollute your mind with issues from people who have messed up their social life. He will claim to love you and convince with his seemingly intelligent values and soon you will be so enslaved in a relationship which was never meant for you.

Have you ever looked back and regretted something you did sometime back? It happens if you get involved in the wrong relationships. You turn into an emotional basket when it all goes down the toilet after much emotional investment. Do not use your heart in relationships. I know i sound crazy but it works best when you use the intelligence in your mind. If your intuition tells you that its wrong to date a divorced man with children your age, don’t do it. Sometimes we are not smart so if you know you are not strong enough to reject what you do not need go straight to what you need. You are single looking for love, you can get the best of it from your fellow single men. Go to singles dating sites!

Source: http://www.floweradvisor.com.sg/lifestyle/women/dating/8473/are_you_lost_and_lonely_try_out_singles_dating_sites/

See Also : Mid autumn festival, Moon cakes festival, Autumn mooncake