Mid-Autumn Festival

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Do you remember the story behind the mooncakes? If not, here's a 30-second refresher so that you can relate it to your kids or impress foreign friends of your cultural knowledgibility.

During the Yuan dynasty (A.D.1280-1368) China was ruled by the Mongols. Leaders from the preceding Sung dynasty (A.D.960-1280) were unhappy at submitting to foreign rule, and set how to coordinate the rebellion without it being discovered.

 The leaders of the rebellion, knowing that the Moon Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Baked into each moon cake was a message with the outline of the attack.

On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644). Today, moon cakes are eaten to commemorate this legend.

Anyway during this time of the year, Chinese societies around the world will celebrate by stuffing themselves with mooncakes wth all sorts of fillings (red bean paste, durian, mixed nuts,  lotus with multiple egg yolks ... recently I even saw one outlet selling peanut butter & jelly mooncakes !). Personally I prefer the more traditional fillings.

Invariably in all towns and cities, there will be lantern processions and public places will be decorated with multi-coloured lanterns. Often there will be shows and visits to temples to give thanks to various dieties.






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Pic 1: Beauty with lantern (painting)
 
 
Here are some photos of the lantern decor in Sibu. Thanks Leo, for the contributions. Now all we need are photos from Kuching, Miri and other locales around the world.

 

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Finally I can't end this posting without showing some mooncake pictures, can I ?

Enjoy your Mid-Autumn Festival ...