Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival or Mooncake Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is one of the most loved Chinese celebrations. In Singapore, many people also refer to it as the Lantern Festival because the streets come alive with colourful lantern displays and children proudly carrying their lanterns at night.

I still remember holding a red paper lantern as a child. Sometimes, if I swung it around too much, it would accidentally catch fire! Thankfully, today’s lanterns are mostly battery-operated, making them much safer for children. Every year, the designs become more creative and elaborate, ranging from traditional rabbits and fish to cartoon characters and modern LED creations.

For those unfamiliar with the origins of the festival, there are two popular legends behind it.

One version tells the story of Hou Yi, a legendary archer who shot down nine suns, leaving only one to light the earth. As a reward, he received a magical potion of immortality. However, he did not want to leave his beloved wife, Chang Er, so he refused to drink it. One day, an evil man named Feng Meng tried to steal the potion. To stop him, Chang Er swallowed it herself and floated up to the moon, where she became the Moon Goddess of Immortality. Heartbroken, Hou Yi honoured her every year on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar by placing fruits and cakes under the moon.

Another version paints a very different picture. In this story, Chang Er stole the potion herself to prevent her cruel husband, King Hou Yi, from becoming immortal. She drank the potion and escaped to the moon.

The second story was the version I grew up hearing as a child.

Now, let me tell you more about mooncakes. Once again, there are different stories surrounding their origin. Some believe mooncakes were created as offerings to Chang Er, the Moon Goddess. Others say they played an important role in history during the overthrow of Mongol rule in China. Secret messages were hidden inside the mooncakes to coordinate a rebellion. Once the messages were read, the evidence was conveniently destroyed by eating the cakes!

Making mooncakes is not easy. I once wanted to make them myself, but I could not find the right ingredients at the Chinese supermarket, so I ended up buying a ready-made tin instead.

One of the most traditional varieties is the double-yolk lotus seed mooncake. The golden yolks are made from salted duck eggs. Personally, I always pass the yolks to Mr C — yuck! I have never liked salted egg yolks. I much prefer lotus seed paste over red bean paste because the flavour is lighter and smoother. My favourite part is actually the skin: beautifully baked, slightly firm, and rich in flavour.

If you ever spot mooncakes in the UK, do give them a try. They are rich, beautifully crafted, and absolutely delicious — especially enjoyed with a cup of Chinese tea.

These are a few photos I would like to share with you.

This is the biggest mooncake in the Philippines, from Eng Bee Tin in Binondo, Manila. My friend B kindly shared her personal photo for my blog.

The following picture was shared by my Singaporean friend, Mrs D. Her son is carrying an Angry Birds lantern.

This photo was taken in a hotel kitchen where mooncakes are handmade. Credit to Mr BG.

The remaining photos are from my lovely friend ST’s collection.

Thanks to everyone who shared their beautiful photos. Do you have any Mid-Autumn Festival or mooncake pictures you would like me to feature? Feel free to contact me!