For most Asian countries, during the middle of September, people will celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival and eat Moon Cake (月饼in Chinese). Just join the full-Chinese celebration in Beijing when you are in Beijing to travel. Even more, moon cakes services is available in most of the hotel in China as well.
The festival is intricately linked to the legends of Chang E, the mythical Moon Goddess of Immortality. According to “Li-Ji”, an ancient Chinese book recording customs and ceremonies, the Chinese Emperor should offer sacrifices to the sun in spring and the moon in autumn. The 15th day of the 8th lunar month is the day called “Mid-Autumn”. The night on the 15th of the 8th lunar month is also called “Night of the Moon”. Under the Song Dynasty (420), the day was officially declared for Mid-Autumn Festival.
Because of its central role in the Mid-Autumn festival, moon cakes remained popular even in recent years. For many, moon cakes form a central part of the Mid-Autumn festival experience such that it is now commonly known as ‘Moon cake Festival’.
Moon cakes are Chinese bakery products traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival Festival. The festival is for lunar worship and moon watching; moon cakes are regarded as an indispensable delicacy on this occasion. Moon cakes are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating the festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the four most important Chinese festivals.
Typical moon cakes are round or rectangular pastries, measuring about 10 cm in diameter and 4-5 cm thick. A thick filling usually made from lotus is surrounded by a relatively thin (2-3 mm) crust and may contain yolks from salted duck eggs. Moon cakes are usually eaten in small wedges accompanied by Chinese tea. Today, it is customary for businessmen and families to present them to their clients or relatives as presents, helping to fuel a demand for high-end moon cake styles.
Fillings in contemporary style moon cakes has diversified to include just about anything which can be made into a paste. Moon cakes containing taro paste and pineapple, which were considered novelty items at their time of invention have in recent years become commonplace items. In addition, filling with ingredients such as coffee, chocolate, nuts (walnuts, mixed nuts, etc), fruits (prunes, pineapples, melons, lychees etc), vegetables (sweet potatoes, etc), and even ham have been added to give a modern twist to the traditional recipes. It is also increasingly popular to change the base of the paste to a custard-style.
When most people eating moon cakes in China, they always have Chinese tea at the same time. Since the moon cakes are a little bit sweet for long time eating. You must try some during you are in China, and join the big celebration. Can’t wait anymore, just click on chinatraveldepot.com to book a flight to anywhere in China for the big FUN!
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