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Wu Yan Pays Respect to the Moon

 

This green array, which is also known as “Worshiping the Mid Autumn Moon,” is based on Zhong Lichun of the Kingdom of Qi who lived during the Warring States period. She is better known as Wu Yan, named so because Lichun came from the village of Wu Yan in Hebei Province. Wu Yan was said to be homely in appearance, but highly skilled with a zither (Chinese musical instrument) and had extraordinary wisdom. Since childhood, when the 15th day of the Mid-Autumn Moon came around she would devoutly pay respect to the Moon Maiden. Despite not being outstanding in appearance, after Wuyan grows up, she would enter the Palace of the King of Qi because of her outstanding moral character. However, she was not favored by King Xuan of Qi. Then one year on the 15th day of the Mid Autumn Moon, seated on the grounds, Wuyan plays the zither while worshiping the Moon Goddess in the garden of the concubine’s chamber. The sound of the zither echoes through the air for a long period. By chance, while admiring the moon King Xuan of Qi passes through the garden. Drawn by the music of the zither, the King looks below the moonlight and sees Wu Yan, when the King gazes upon her he is startled thinking she is Celestial Being. Feels she is outstandingly beautiful, and after talking with Wu Yan finds she is wise and of outstanding moral character. Following which, King Xuan of Qi establishes her as his Queen.

Array setup method: Using eight apples and seven tangerines to form the shape of a circle (alternate between using an apple and an orange). Within the circle use four moon cakes to form the shape of a square. Inside the center of the square enclosure, place a flat round stool. Atop the seat of the round stool position a red round tray. Located in the tray will be a pomelo, an appropriate amount of flowers, red dates and dried fruit candy are to revolved around the pomelo with the lettuce the red packet underneath.
 
Green playing method: After the lion investigates the formation, moving clockwise, and beginning with the apple on the bottom left gather all the apples and tangerines. Next the lion will make its way to the moon cakes and retrieve all four of the moon cakes. Later the dancers will arrive at the round stool and do the rite of three bows. Some of the flowers, red dates and dried fruit candy are to be collected and tossed to the viewers. The lion then takes the pomelo so that it can eat the greens and take the red packet. After the lettuce is shredded and expelled, the lion will take the four moon cakes and place them in the center of the tray (tightly packed next to one another) so that it can put the pomelo on top of it after the grapefruit has been opened into a flower. Following the opening of the seven tangerines into flowers, they will be made with the apple (alternating between the two) to revolve around the pomelo and moon cakes. After the Buddhist Matron (Fat Po), observes the array, she is to lead the lion and face the tray to do the rite of three bows before picking up the tray and accompanied by the lion, return the tray to the green’s arranger. The meaning of the array is “Both Man and Moon Reunite, Auspicious Omens and Peace.”
 
Note: Pomelo is a metaphor for the moon and Moon Goddess Chang'e. Apple and tangerines total of 15 represents 15th day of mid autumn festival. Four moon cakes in the shape of a square symbolize the garden.