A mooncake (simplified Chinese: ; traditional Chinese: ) is a Chinese pastry item that is usually consumed during the Mid-Autumn Festival (). The celebration celebrates the Moon and lunar adoration, and mooncakes are considered a delicacy. Mooncake tampines are shared between friends or during private family gatherings in conjunction with the festival celebration. The Mid-Autumn Festival is often recognized as one of the four most significant Chinese celebrations.
There are several varieties of mooncake tampines sold within China and by Chinese businesses located outside of China. Singapore's best mooncake is the most popular variant. A typical Cantonese mooncake has a diameter of 10 centimeters (4 inches) and a height of 3 to 4 centimeters (1 14 to 1 12 inches). The Cantonese mooncake has a rich, creamy interior that is often prepared from red bean paste or lotus seed paste and is encircled by a thin, 2–3 mm (about 1/8 of an inch) crust that may contain salted duck egg yolks. Mooncakes are often consumed in little wedges that are accompanied by tea.
Today, it is commonplace for business corporate personnel and families to offer mooncakes as gifts to their clients or partners and children, helping to feed the reputation for high-quality mooncakes. In the same way that the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in several Asian locales due to the establishment of Chinese businesses in the region at some uncertain period in the future, mooncakes are also loved in some areas of Asia. As a sort of delicacy, mooncakes have also emerged in western global locations.
The celebration is deeply intertwined with traditions of Chang E, the legendary Moon Goddess of Immortality. According to the Liji, an ancient Chinese e-book documenting traditions and rites, the Chinese Emperor was required to make sacrifices to the Sun in the spring and the Moon in the fall. The fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month is known as "Mid-Autumn." The night of the 15th day of the eighth lunar month is also known as "Night of the Moon." Due to their significant significance in the Mid-Autumn Festival, mooncakes were popular far into the new year. For many, they are a cherished feature of the Mid-Autumn festival, so much so that it's been a while. for additional information keep reading…
