The Chinese custom of eating moon cake was first recorded in the reign of the emperor Hsi Tzung (A.D. 874-889) of the Tang Dynasty and became popular in the Sung Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279). The crafty Chu Yuan-chang, founder of the Ming Dynasty, instigated a rebellion against the Mongol rulers by concealing a call to revolt in moon cakes, leading to the downfall of the Yuan Dynasty.
The moon cake is traditionally made in the shape of a full moon, symbolizing union and perfection, and is usually about the size of a doughnut. Moon cake is stuffed with a variety of fillings such as bean paste, egg yolk, lotus seeds, dates, pineapple, walnuts, almonds and or sesame, depending on the region.
In the last couple of years a new breed of refrigerated, unbaked moon cake has been gaining popularity, especially among youngsters. Durian, coconut meat, vanilla, tea, and coffer have been added as ingredients.
The fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar is celebrated as the Mid-Autumn Festival, which has been designed a public holiday by the government of Republic of China (Taiwan). Moon gazing, drinking oolong or jasmine tea and having a barbeque are the main activities during Mid-Autumn Festival.
The next article will introduce a Chinese moon legend and explain why moon gazing is a traditional activity during Mid-Autumn Festival.
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