Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival – Time for mooncakes!
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important festivities in China. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar (September 12 this year). Also known as the Festival of Reunion, it is a time for families to gather together to light lanterns, eat mooncakes and appreciate the moon. On this night the full moon appears to be at its roundest and brightest.
 |
| by Junelee |
Mooncakes are round pastries about an inch deep. They may be filled with lotus seeds, red bean paste, orange peel, melon seeds, ham, dried flower petals and the salted yolk of duck’s eggs. The surface is decorated with clouds, the moon and the rabbit or hare, which according to legend brought longevity.