Mooncakes, those delicious little pastries filled with savory goodness, are more than just a tasty treat.
They are the star of the show during the Mid-Autumn Festival!
Sitting with your loved ones, gazing at the full moon, and sharing a Mooncake, it’s a tradition that goes way back, and one that brings people together across China, Hong Kong and anywhere else with a Chinese population as I celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival all the way in Manila, which so happens to have the oldest Chinatown in the world!
Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is all about honoring family, love, and the bright, beautiful moon…and Mooncakes!
They’re the heart of this celebration, but what exactly is the story behind the delicious treat? Read on to find out!
Story of the Mooncake
It’s amazing how Mooncakes are so deeply intertwined with Cantonese and Chinese culture and one of the most famous stories links them to a historical event that changed the course of China’s history.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane, all the way to the Yuan Dynasty.
During the Yuan Dynasty, ruled by the Mongols, the Han Chinese were unhappy with the foreign rule and sought to overthrow the Mongol Yuan rulers.
Planning a rebellion was risky and required discreet communication to coordinate efforts across different regions.
Enter the Mooncakes. A brilliant strategist named Zhu Yuanzhang and his advisor, Liu Bowen, are said to have come up with an ingenious plan to use the Mid-Autumn Festival, a popular celebration involving the sharing of Mooncakes, as a cover to spread their message.
Here’s how the legend goes: They hid messages inside the Mooncakes, outlining the plan for the rebellion.
Since it was customary to gift Mooncakes during the festival, the cakes were distributed far and wide without arousing suspicion.
When the recipients cut open their cakes, they found the hidden instructions and were able to prepare for the coordinated revolt.
The plan worked perfectly. On the night designated in the hidden messages, the rebels rose up simultaneously in different regions, catching the Yuan forces off guard.
The rebellion was successful, leading to the fall of the Yuan Dynasty and the rise of the Ming Dynasty. Talk about a sweet victory, eh?
Symbolism of the Mooncake
First and foremost, the egg which is one of the foundational ingredients of the Mooncake, symbolizes the fullmoon!
Ever noticed the intricate designs on top? They often represent longevity, and sometimes you might even find Chinese characters for “happiness.”
But what really makes Mooncakes special is how they bring people together.
Families gathered around the table, sipping tea, and sharing these delightful pastries.
You’ll find this happening during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when Mooncakes are everywhere!
And gifting Mooncakes in itself is a beautiful gesture. Presenting a box of Mooncakes to someone basically says, “I value our relationship.”
And that’s not something a lot of people say nowadays, you know?
What's Inside a Mooncake?
Ingredients
Pastry: Typically, the outer layer is made of golden syrup, alkaline water, flour, and lard, giving it that glossy appearance and tender texture.
Fillings:
- Lotus Seed Paste: A classic favorite, rich and sweet.
- Red Bean Paste: Another popular choice, slightly earthy and comforting.
- Jujube Paste: For those who love a fruity touch.
- Mixed Nuts and Ham: A combo that offers a crunchy and savory surprise.
Regional Variations
- Cantonese-Style: These are probably what you picture when you think of Mooncakes. They’re sweet, often filled with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks, and have a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Suzhou-Style: Hailing from Suzhou, these Mooncakes offer a flaky, crispy crust. The fillings lean towards the savory side with minced pork or beef seasoned with soy sauce and sugar.
- Teochew-Style: Known for their intricate lattice pattern, Teochew Mooncakes might be filled with sweet mung bean paste. Their crust is light and tender.
- Yunnan-Style: These are often filled with flower-flavored fillings, adding a unique touch to the Mooncake family.
Story of the Moon Goddess
Here’s another story, one of the most famous tales connected to the Mid-Autumn Festival. This time it’s a legend about the Moon Goddess of Immortality.
The Ten Suns
Once, there were ten suns in the sky, scorching the Earth and causing unbearable hardship for the people. Houyi, a skilled archer, saved the world by shooting down nine of the suns, leaving only one. As a reward, he was given the Elixir of Immortality.
The Elixir of Immortality
Chang’e was the beautiful wife of the archer hero Houyi and Houyi loved Chang’e deeply and didn’t want to become immortal without her, so he hid the elixir away.
However, one day, when Houyi was away, a wicked apprentice tried to force Chang’e to give him the elixir. To prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, Chang’e swallowed the elixir herself.
Ascension to the Moon
The elixir granted Chang’e immortality, but it also caused her to become weightless and float away from the Earth. She chose the moon as her residence, as it was the closest celestial body to her beloved husband on Earth.
Longing
Separated by the vast distance of space, Chang’e and Houyi were left to pine for each other.
Houyi would set out a table with Chang’e’s favorite fruits and cakes (including Mooncakes) as offerings, longing for a reunion.
It is said that if you look closely at the full moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can see Chang’e dancing on the moon.
This story is known to almost all Chinese and the song “Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin” draws inspiration and perfectly captures the tale of Chang’e and Houyi.
This song is known by almost everyone of Chinese heritage, it’s almost like a national anthem!
