Cover Mooncake on a plate (Photo: Getty Images)
Mooncake on a plate (Photo: Getty Images)
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We take a dive into the traditions behind mooncakes
More than just sweet pastries enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn festival which happens on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar, mooncakes are incredibly steeped in cultural significance. The dessert’s round shape represents unity and completeness and is meant to symbolise the full moon, which is associated with prosperity and abundance.
One of the myths behind the celebration involves Chang’e, the moon goddess. The mooncake itself is a respectful offering to her, and a recognisable feature of the cultural celebration.
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Historical background
Above A selection of mooncakes (Photo: Unsplash)
A selection of mooncakes (Photo: Unsplash)
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The tradition of celebrating the Mid-Autumn festival dates back to 1046–256 BCE, during the Zhou Dynasty in ancient China. The origins are rooted in ancient harvest rituals, which reference the moon. During these celebrations, offerings were made to the moon in exchange for a bountiful harvest.
However, consumption of the mooncake began during the Tang Dynasty in 618-907 CE, where it began symbolising unity. This was considered the golden age of Chinese civilization, and the festival’s association with the moon was strengthened under Emperor Xuanzong, who held grand ceremonies to worship the moon and celebrated the lunar deity.
By 1368-1644 CE, the Ming Dynasty, mooncakes were widespread with a variety of flavours and ingredients used. Regional variations began to emerge, with different fillings and preparation methods reflecting local tastes and ingredients.
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Variations
Above Snowskin mooncakes (Photo: Getty Images)
Snowskin mooncakes (Photo: Getty Images)
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Today, common fillings include red bean paste, lotus seed paste, salted egg yolk, and mixed nuts. However, variations differ according to region, too. Cantonese mooncakes are characterised by their thin and tender crust, while Beijing-style mooncakes have a flaky crust and less sweet fillings. Suzhou-style mooncakes, on the other hand, have a flaky and buttery crust, while Shanghai Savoury Mooncakes are often filled with ground pork.
Modern innovations also include snow skin mooncakes, which originated in Hong Kong and were made with glutinous rice skin. Different regions also localise flavours—for instance, in Malaysia, durian often fills the skin, in place of lotus seed paste.
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Modern context
Above Mooncakes are sliced before being shared and enjoyed (Photo: Getty Images)
Mooncakes are sliced before being shared and enjoyed (Photo: Getty Images)
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Today, Mid-Autumn festival is celebrated within Chinese communities across the globe on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, where mooncakes take centre stage, shared amongst family members. The core symbols of unity, family harmony, and cultural heritage still remain prominent within the celebration.
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