Of the moon

> The Mid-Autumn Festival brings forth a mixture of different elements to the table offering various anecdotes and tales of its origin … from historical to nature-inspired, even the mystical and metaphysical

WHEN the moon gleams at its brightest and orbits closest to earth, billions of Chinese people across the globe congregate in groups to welcome the arrival of midautumn, a festival locally known as the MidAutumn, Mooncake or Lantern festival. Festivities pertaining to this celebration dates back over 3,500 years ago, with different anecdotes, legends, folklore and traditions, some that have evolved over time.

LUNAR TREAT An indispensable treat for the occasion, the moon cake is a traditional Chinese “mini cake” gifted among friends and family. Circular, but sometimes square, in shape to portray the moon, the cake is usually filled with thick, rich filling such as red bean or lotus seed paste. At times, an egg yolk (or two) is embedded, the yolk a representation of the full moon that shines bright during this period. The cake is considered a must-have during the festive month.

Held annually on the 15th day of the Chinese eighth month in the lunar calendar, the festival was initially celebrated to mark the end of the summer harvest season. Back then a huge feast was traditional, to express gratitude as well as to pay respect to the deities for a good harvest. Typically a time of rituals, the festival also came as a time to tighten the bond between friends and family members with age-old traditions such as exchanging moon cakes, lantern parades, as well as dragon dance performances.

Today, the cake comes in many different flavours and fillings, not to mention types of “skin”. Modern day filling such as chocolate, green tea, durian as well as ice cream are just a few from the wide range of mooncake varieties available today.

SECRET MESSAGE While the moon cake was prepared as an offering to the deities, its origins also encompass the folk tales of Hou Yi and Chang E to the overthrow of the Mongols.

Online research led to a historical tie-up to the origin of the mooncake. Apparently in 1368, China was ruled by the Yuan dynasty, commonly known as the Mongols led by Genghis Khan. Famed for his notorious ways, Khan’s land was overcome with famine and other natural disasters. One of the leaders of the Red Turban Army, a group of rebels against the Yuan, Zhu Yuanzhang,