Autumn through its hues and festivals

Tribute to Kitchen God

A star which people in ancient times called the Big Fire, the brightest in the multiple star system Acrab (Beta Scorpii), disappears from the night sky after the day. In ancient times, people organized a special ceremony to see off the Big Fire, and to prepare for the oncoming winter. Some customs in South China still remind us of its origin, with people offering oblations to the Kitchen God, or god of fire, on the day.

In their works, some ancient poets and writers have lamented the passing of autumn, perhaps at the thought of the harsh winter ahead.

Some social organizations, schools and local governments often organize visits to old age homes on the day as a mark of respect to senior citizens. And although the festival is not a national holiday, many families get together on the day to make elderly family members feel happy.