Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to You

Today is the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节, Zhong Qiu Jie). Coinciding with the National Day Celebration of the founding of the PRC, these two holidays make up my favorite time of year in China. Time to spend with family, eating sweet or savory pastries, and gazing at a beautiful full moon.  

Source: flickr.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Moon cakes are integral to the Mid-Autumn festival, symbolizing the moon and imprinted with wishes. I like some flavors of moon cake better than others (Red bean? Delicious. Abalone? Not my favorite...) Gifting family, friends, and business acquaintances is ubiquitous and expected. I like the tradition becomes moon cakes can be inexpensive enough that everyone has a chance to give and receive. 

Want to celebrate the moon festival this week? Moon cakes are likely available at your local Chinese market or grocery store. And cook up (or order in) some duck, pumpkin dishes, and for the adventurous - snails and more abalone. 

Comments

[Vivian]

I'll eat anything with a salty egg yolk inside! Yum!

[Janet Vasquez]

I am going to go to the local Asian shop for the possible acquisition of Moon cakes. Then I'll serve using chopsticks,, bowls, and tea cups. Great idea. A fun new holiday.