I've had just enough time to... enjoy my moon cake and look at the moon
Taken in the Shanghai Bakery Exhibition
There are several distinctly
different types of moon cakes but the most recognized is the Guang style with
its thin smooth pastry-like skin and rich lotus bean paste. A yolk or two of
the duck egg is usually added. This cake is only served once a year and
available during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Thus, it becomes a very popular
tradition to give a box of moon cakes to relatives and business clients during
this period. It is a multi-billion dollars business in China and many bakeries
made their entire year’s profit during this single month.
The humble moon cake has been
associated with the overthrow of the Mongol of the Yuan Dynasty. To spread the
words of a unified revolt, a secret message was put into the moon cakes that
were distributed to the oppressed Han people. It said “Drive out the Mongols on
the 15th of 8th lunar month!”. On that day, the populace
answered the call and overthrow the Mongols and established the Ming Dynasty in
1368.
Another famous legend associated
with the Mid-Autumn Festival is the story of the Ten Suns and the Lady of the
Moon. You can listen to one version of the story in the You-Tube below. For me,
the Mid-Autumn festival will always be about carrying lanterns and walking
through the dark street together with friends when we were boys. We were too
poor to buy the colourful paper lanterns so we made our own with milk cans that
has cut-out patterns, stringed together with wires attached to a bamboo stick. We
burned a candle inside the can and viola!, we have our tin can lantern. They
are crude but indestructible! We will then create a ruckus by banging upon
anything creating an unbearable din to drive away the dog that was trying to
consume the moon. Sadly, this boisterous tradition is no longer practised by
today’s kids. Not many even know about it. I think I will reach for my cup of
Chinese tea and the slice of moon cake now…
The Legend of the Lady in the Moon - Chang Er
ReplyDeleteA 1000 Reasons
This picture was taken in a bakery exhibition in Shanghai a few years back and thought it appropriate to post it today as tonight, the full moon will shine the brightest of the year as it is the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. The figurines that you saw are made from dough and are beautiful works of arts. This is one of the most colorful Chinese festivals and are associated with moon cakes and lanterns. There are also many legends attached to this festival including a rebellion, 10 suns, the lady and rabbit of the moon. You can read more about it in my blog but for me, it is something more...
Eyemdreaming
Fascinating figurines. And your description makes me want a box of moon cakes!
★♥♥Ever-Green Veronica♥♥ added this photo to her favorites.
The photo is beautiful.... so nicely presented in these mini-statues............... We know the moon Cakes as there are many chinese activities here in our town... and besides this , before retiring we had a customer from Hong Kong , when he used to come to renew the contracts he brought us little gifts and also a little parcel with mooncakes.... and in one night of the Festival we stood looking at the moon ...and also his family, at the same time and sent (moon greetings) to each other .... I really loved this... and always think of our customer-friend during full moon in mid Autumn.....
Thanks for bringing back this memory Dear Thou....
I hope you are ok after your long trip... Have a good day/night/evening ... ♥♥♥
★ΞSSΞ®®Ξ and ineedathis added this photo to their favorites.
ineedathis
Great artistic work on these pieces! in 15 minutes I be using that rolling pin as well:-)
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDelete"Chuck"
This is a wonderful photo of beautiful art. I really enjoy learning of the moon festival and the history and tradition behind it. Have a happy holiday my friend. A toast to you from Sue and myself.
★"Chuck" added this photo to his favorites.
♥♥Ever-Green Veronica♥♥
Wow.... I really enjoyed the photos in the blog spot and the info... Have a good weel my friend
Kathy_9
Awesome image and thanks for the background info. It always makes the images more interesting.
henrhyde (gill)
Beautiful capture and wonderful information.
ho.ge
a very beautiful art work!
must be a lovely and wonderful feast!
★ho.ge and i_still_believe_in_u added this photo to their favorites.
A 1000 Reasons
It is about dark nights and homemade lanterns, and driving the sky dog from consuming the moon. Sadly, the youngsters these days no longer follow the tradition of my youth when we would roam the streets with our lanterns and make great noises to chase away the sky dog...
★"Chuck" added this photo to his favorites.
"Chuck"
I told my wife of your email and your story of eagles and moon cakes . She told me to tell you that we would be more than willing to travel and meet you for moon cake and to celebrate the holiday. Then she said maybe she could bake you a cake and you could exchange moon cake via fed overnight. ha ha I think you have her mouth watering and you have piqued her interest in the holiday and culture.
MAMEDE HARFOUCHE
ReplyDeleteHAVE A SPLENDID NEW WEEK, Thou.
KISSES AND PEACE.
الله أكبر * " ALLAH HU AKBAR! "
★娜 娜☂Nana added this photo to her favorites.
Did you eat moon cakes?
蛋黃酥是我的最愛!
你呢?
娜 娜☂Nana
Sweet dreams...My Dear friend （◕◡◕）
bloodybee
fascinating image and explanation!
★Steve Taylor (Photography) added this photo to his favorites.
They are really well made. Without the people in the background they could be life-size
Cheri Sundra: Guerrilla Historian
Wonderful!
★october blue added this photo to their favorites.
A delightful image ...wonderful art ! I am sure the moon cakes are delicious ...especially while enjoyed while viewing a beautiful autumn moon . A great cultural tradition . Thanks for the fine image and interesting information :-)
This photo was invited and added to the Art for Everyone! group.
retnos2602
I feel the beauty of life in your photo
★retnos2602 added this photo to her favorites.
accusation in court way too awesome with regard to phrases! :)
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