Learn more about Mid-Autumn Festival
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What is 月饼?
Mooncakes are round, dense pastries with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk centers, eaten while admiring the full moon during Mid-Autumn Festival. They symbolize reunion.
The Story Behind 月饼
Under the harvest moon, families gather on rooftops and balconies to admire the full moon—the brightest of the year. On the table: tea, fruit, and mooncakes, each cut into pieces and shared. Legend says Chang'e, the moon goddess, lives in a crystal palace there. Today, mooncake gifts travel across cities carrying wishes: 'May our families be complete, like the moon tonight.'
Cultural Meaning
The round shape represents the full moon and family reunion. Sharing mooncakes with family brings good luck.
Historical Origins
Mooncakes date back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty, evolving from ritual offerings to the moon. The modern form with lotus paste and egg yolk originated during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). During the Qing Dynasty, mooncake culture became elaborate with regional styles emerging across China.
Regional Variations
Cantonese: Lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk, ornate designs. Suzhou: Flaky, delicate crust with various fillings. Beijing: Heavy, sweet fillings with red bean or five kernel. Shanghai: thin-skinned, diverse fillings. Yunnan: Specialty flower petal mooncakes.
When to Eat
Mid-Autumn Festival evening (15th day of 8th lunar month, usually September), the week before and after, and as gifts throughout the season.
With Whom
Nuclear family, distant relatives who visit, close friends, business partners (gift-giving is a key tradition), and elderly relatives to show respect.
How to Pronounce
yuè bǐngYuè bǐng (YUEH BING) - The 'yue' has a falling tone, like moonlight. The 'bing' is rising tone. Practice: 'YUEH-BING'.
How to Order
'Wǒ yào yuèbǐng' (I want mooncakes). 'Zhè zhǒng yǒu shénme tián de?' (What fillings does this kind have?). 'Yí gè duōshao qián?' (How much for one?). 'Yǒu lǐhé zhuāng ma?' (Do you have gift boxes?)
Tips & Traditions
- 1Best enjoyed with Chinese tea (普洱茶 or 乌龙茶)
- 2Cut into wedges and share—one piece per family member
- 3Premium mooncakes use single-origin lotus seeds from Lake Tai
- 4New styles: snow skin, ice cream, and low-sugar varieties exist
- 5Give as gifts to show respect and maintain relationships
What to Avoid
- !Don't eat mooncakes alone—reunion is key
- !Don't give single mooncakes as gifts—give in even numbers
- !Don't eat after the festival moon has passed
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