Hello, fellow foodies! Today, we're taking a journey to East Asia to explore one of their most cherished celebrations -- the Mid-Autumn Festival. If you have a penchant for vibrant festivals or simply love learning about different cultures, buckle up, because we're about to dive into what makes this festival so unique and why mooncakes are an integral part of it.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional celebration steeped in centuries of history. Recognized by millions across East Asia, it's celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, right around the time of the harvest moon.
In China, this festival is a time to give thanks for the rice harvest and many other fruits. Think of it as a sort of Christmas, a time when families come together to appreciate the bountiful harvest and pray for the same in the coming year.
But the festival isn't just limited to China. It's observed in various forms across Vietnam, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Singapore, and more. In Vietnam, for instance, it's known as the "Children's Festival" and in Singapore, it marks the end of the autumn harvest with family gatherings, lanterns, and mooncakes.
One cannot talk about the Mid-Autumn Festival without mentioning the star of the show - the mooncake. But why do people eat mooncakes on this particular festival?
Mooncakes are round pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings, and their round shape symbolizes completeness and reunion. This aligns perfectly with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is also known as the 'Festival of Reunion'. The full moon is a symbol of family reunion, and eating mooncakes under the moonlight has become a way for families to share in the spirit of unity and togetherness.
Moreover, the mooncake is also a nod to the lunar legends associated with the festival. One popular tale tells of the beautiful moon goddess Chang'e, who ascended to the moon after consuming an immortality pill. To this day, mooncakes, which represent the moon, are eaten in honor of this legend.
In conclusion, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a rich cultural event that brings families together in a joyous celebration of harvest, unity, and gratitude. The tradition of eating mooncakes is a delicious way to honor the history and legends of the festival, making it a truly unique and special occasion.
So, the next time you see a full moon around the eighth lunar month, why not grab a mooncake, look up at the night sky, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this age-old tradition. Your taste buds, and your cultural curiosity, will thank you!
This year the Mid-Autumn Festival takes place on the 28th September 2023.
Shop our selection of Mooncakes. We have all the mooncakes you need including HK Meixin Mooncakes, Zheng Feng Traditional Mooncakes, Taipan Snowy Mooncakes and Wing Wah Mooncakes 🥮.
Traditional mooncake flavours include Double yolk, Taro Paste, Red Bean Paste, Lotus Paste, Five nuts & assorted flavour Mooncakes. Or experience our modern mooncakes including flavours such as custard and frozen snowy mooncakes.
A brief history of mooncakes
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