Monday, September 15, 2008

Chinese Moon Festival

Thanks to Daphne Burt (Chaplain at the school where I work) for letting me know that today is the Chinese Moon Festival, or Mid-Autumn Festival. On this day, families eat dinner under the moon, eat mooncakes, pomeloes, and tell the story of Chang’e, the moon maiden.

Some of you may know that my damselfly tattoo was inspired by a theater experience I had (it was more than just being part of the cast) while at Hampshire College. The play was based on the story of Change'e. So... I feel a connection to this day. My journey from cast member to damselfly is a mystical story, not really fit for this brief blog entry, but I wanted to at least acknowledge that ancient and beautiful Chinese myth here.

Blessings to all this day!

Does anybody know what a pomelo is?

6 comments:

  1. Thanks, Bob!

    According to Wikipedia:
    The pomelo (or Chinese grapefruit, pummelo, pommelo, Lusho Fruit, jabong, boongon, shaddock, limau bali, Balinese Citrus, or suhabaungon), Bhogatae, Citrus maxima (Merr., Burm. f.), also Citrus grandis (L.), is a citrus fruit, usually a pale green to yellow when ripe, larger than a grapefruit, with sweet flesh and thick spongy rind.

    I like the term "Citrus grandis" the best.

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  2. I like "sweet flesh and thick spongy rind". I mean, I'd be curious to meet a woman like that.

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  3. That makes me think of a book title. Full Woman, Fleshly Apple, Hot Moon: Selected Poems of Pablo Neruda.

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  4. Yes! I have that one! Translated by Stephen Mitchell, I think. Or if not, then a bunch of different people, maybe selected by Mitchell. I haven't looked at that book in a while. You've inspired me to track it down this weekend.

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  5. I don't have it anymore. :( I think it went out in my big book purge of a few years back.

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  6. I know this will probably shock you, but I bought it at Barnes & Noble on Saturday. All's right with the world again!

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