It’s that time of the year when people give and receive mooncakes, but this now-commercialized tradition has a lot of history behind it. Here are 10 things you should know about this much-celebrated Mooncake Festival.
1.In China, this holiday is referred to as the Mid-Autumn Festival as it is celebrated every 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It also coincides in the middle of the autumn season which is why it is officially called the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is also a festival to celebrate a good harvest. This is when people harvest what they’ve planted for the past few months.
2.In the lunar calendar, the moon is the roundest and brightest every 15th of the month, which is why the holiday is also referred to as the Moon Festival. In olden times, people celebrated the moon, even offering sacrifices.
3. The moon, being round, represents a reunion for the family as they gather to celebrate and eat. Another name for this celebration of the Festival of Reunion.
4. This festival started more than 2,000 years ago, during the Zhou dynasty, becoming an official annual celebration during the Tang Dynasty around 618 to 907 A.D.
5. Mooncakes started only during the Yuan dynasty around 1279 to 1368 A.D., when the rebels against the Mongolian rulers had to communicate through notes placed inside the mooncakes.
6. Ever wonder why there is a lady in most of the mooncake designs? This is based on the love story of Chang E who ended up on the moon, separated from her husband Hou Yi.
7. The lady on the moon is sometimes replaced with the rabbit. This is because when Chang E was exiled, she brought her rabbit with her.
8. The most common mooncake flavors are made with lotus paste or red bean paste. Manila Hotel has made it even more delightful with other fun and interesting flavors such as taro, red dates, and chestnut cream. Priced at P328 each or opt for the box of four at P1,288 nett per box. Available at Red Jade and Delicatessen until Sept. 30, 2023.
If you’re up for some tea and snacks, then try Manila Hotel’s Mooncake Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge. Enjoy tea or coffee and afternoon bites for P1,180 nett per set—until Sept. 30, 2023.
For inquiries and reservations, call 8527-0011, 8530-15500.