Discover the Mid-Autumn Festival’s 3,000-year history, the legend of Chang’e, why mooncakes symbolise reunion, and how their fillings evolved from ancient nuts to modern matcha, perfect bite-sized culture for your autumn read.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most important traditional holidays in Chinese culture. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest.
This festival has a rich history and deep cultural significance and is closely associated with the tradition of eating mooncakes.
Origins and Significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival date back over 3,000 years, rooted in ancient moon worship during the Zhou Dynasty (1045–221 BC). Emperors would offer sacrifices to the moon in autumn, believing it would bring a bountiful harvest the following year.
The term “Mid-Autumn” first appeared in the Rites of Zhou, though the festival itself wasn’t formally established until the Song Dynasty (960–1279), when the 15th day of the 8th lunar month was officially designated as the Mid-Autumn Festival.
By the Tang Dynasty (618–907), moon gazing had become a popular activity among both the elite and common people. The festival evolved into a time for family reunions, moon appreciation, and giving thanks for the harvest.
A central legend associated with the festival is the story of Chang’e, the moon goddess. According to mythology, she drank an elixir of immortality and floated to the moon to prevent it from falling into evil hands. She has since been worshipped during the festival as a symbol of sacrifice and eternal love.
Why People Eat Mooncakes
Mooncakes are more than just a festive treat—they carry deep symbolic meaning. Their round shape represents completeness and unity, aligning with the full moon and the theme of family reunion. Sharing mooncakes during the festival is a way to express love and best wishes to family and friends.
Historically, mooncakes also played a revolutionary role. During the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368), when China was under Mongol rule, Han rebels reportedly used mooncakes to hide secret messages calling for an uprising.
The message “Uprising on the 15th night of the eighth month” was baked into the cakes, helping to coordinate the rebellion that eventually led to the fall of the Yuan Dynasty.
Evolution of Mooncake Fillings
Mooncake fillings have evolved significantly over time:
- Ancient Times: Early versions were likely simple pastries used as offerings to the moon. Some historians trace their origin to “Hu cakes” from the Han Dynasty, introduced via the Silk Road and filled with nuts like pecans.
- Tang Dynasty: Mooncakes became more refined, with sweetened fillings made from ghee and sugar, and were enjoyed by the imperial court.
- Song Dynasty: The term “mooncake” first appeared in literature. Fillings began to diversify, though the connection to the Mid-Autumn Festival was still developing.
- Ming & Qing Dynasties: Mooncakes became a festival staple, with regional styles emerging. Fillings included lotus seed paste, red bean paste, nuts, and dried fruits. The Cantonese-style mooncake, with its rich lotus paste and salted egg yolk center, became especially popular.
- Modern Era: Today, mooncakes come in a dazzling variety of flavors and styles, including snow skin (non-baked), green tea, durian, chocolate, and even savory versions. They are also marketed as luxury gifts, with elaborate packaging and creative fillings tailored to contemporary tastes.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time-honored celebration of harvest, reunion, and lunar worship, rooted in ancient Chinese traditions. Mooncakes, once symbolic offerings and tools of rebellion, have become a beloved emblem of togetherness and cultural identity.
Their fillings have evolved from simple nuts and sugars to gourmet innovations, reflecting both regional diversity and modern culinary trends.
Whether traditional or modern, the act of sharing mooncakes under the full moon continues to connect people to their heritage, their families, and the timeless legend of Chang’e.
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