The Legend of the Moon Maiden is one of the stories told to children during Moon Festival is of the fairy living in a crystal palace. She comes out to dance on the shadowed surface of the moon. Legend says the “lady living in the moon” dates back to ancient times when ten suns appeared in the sky. The Emperor ordered a famous but mean archer to shoot down the nine extra suns. Once the task was accomplished, Goddess of Western Heaven rewarded the archer with a pill of immortality. But his wife, wishing to save people from his bad disposition, took the pill herself. She has been banished to the moon ever since. They say her beauty is greatest on the day of the Moon Festival. (What is Autumn moon cakes?)
The date of our Festival Mooncake was about a week after the real Moon Festival date. But because our student leaders need time to organize 200 school volunteers, it has become our tradition to select the third Sunday of every September to be this community’s Chinese Moon Festival. We wish to acknowledge these young people for their spirit, hard work and dedication. Our event would not be as fun and wonderful without them, and we hope they come to fill their lives with the same joyfulness they present here today.
The Mid autumn festival is celebrated by billions of people. They celebrate it with dances, feasting and moon gazing. Delicious moon cakes are a traditional enjoyment. But on this day, we offer you the pleasure of sharing arts, crafts and creative activities in a Chinese garden setting. Culture is fun! Without art, music, poetry or dance – what would imagination do? We hope you enjoy what we’ve had fun planning for you. Have a Great Time!!!!!
We would like to thank the City of San Jose, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services for their support, and express our appreciation to Ranger Valeri Heyberger. We would also like to acknowledge the infinite patience and encouragement of Pauline Lowe, one of the original founders of the Chinese Cultural Garden. We would especially like to express our gratitude to the years of support by Arts Council Silicon Valley, and the generosity of Resources for Families and Communities in Santa Clara County.
Source : http://chineseculturalgarden.com/moonfestival.htm