Dong Nationality-Mid-autumn Vegetables’ Stealing
 2016-12-20 16:49:28   Zhangjiajie Tourism Information Website  

Dong nationality is located mainly in Southwestern Hunan.On Middleautumn night,there is a prevalent and funning custom among Dong people, that is Middleautumn Vegetables’ Stealing Custom.According to the legend in ancient times that every year on midautumn night,the fairies in the moon would water the vegetables with amrita .Therefore,Dong people can share and enjoythe delicious and blessed food together.

For unmarried girls,they will steal vegetables on middleautumn night from her favorite boy’s yard.Because it means the girl has the intention to have a affair with that guy. During that night,picking vegetables from others’yard is allowed and welcomed. Usually,when the girl picked the vegetable and she would speak loudly to the boy “I have stealed your vegetables,come to my home for the dish.” For married women,they would steal vegetable with stout shapes which standfor healthy and robust of theirbabies.Generally,married women like to pick soy beans,in Dong culture,the pronunciation of soy bean is similar to kids’ health. For boys,the should cook and eat the vegetables they picked outside.

Mid-autumn Vegetables’ Stealing Custom of Dong nationality makes the mid-autumn day more mysterious and joyful.The main purpose of this custom is embodied in blessing and praying.

By Aileen