– Tang Poem by Li Bai
中秋节 (Zhōng qiū Jié) ，the Mid-Autumn Festival is an annual celebration of the full moon, which is a symbol of happiness, prosperity and family reunions in China. It is a festival that falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which is usually near the end of September to early October in the Gregorian calendar. The moon is said to be fuller and brighter than the rest of the year, making mid-autumn the best time for moon gazing. Those who are fortunate enough to be with their family during the festival, will gather for reunions among friends and relatives and savour mooncakes whilst admiring the moon, and those away from home would lament as Li Bai did and think of their family.
Li Bai, 李白, one of China's most prolific poets, used 4 lines of 5 Chinese characters while he reminisced about being with his family, for the Mid-Autumn Festival. This famous Chinese poem is often recited by children during the festival.
《静夜思》李白 (唐诗)
Thoughts on a Tranquil Night - A Tang Poem by Li Bai
床前看月光，
chuáng qián yué mìng guāng
疑是地上霜；
yī shì di shang shuāng
举头望明月，
jǔ tóu wàng míng yuè
低头思故乡
dī tóu sī gù xiāng
Here's a YouTube clip that gives a very good and detailed explanation of the meaning of this poem.
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