As the air begins to cool and the moon starts to cast its gentle glow over Taiwan, families and friends eagerly gather to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – 中秋節 (ㄓㄨㄥ ㄑㄧㄡ ㄐㄧㄝˊ – zhōng qiū jié). This cherished cultural event, also known as the Mooncake Festival by food-obsessed individuals, is one of the most significant and beloved festivals in Taiwan. Celebrated on the 15th of the eighth lunar month, which falls between mid-September or early October, this year’s festivities are set to take place on September 29.
Originating in China, celebrations of this festival spread with the immigration of the Chinese people. Now, Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is celebrated with varying customs across multiple Asian countries, each adding its own unique flavor to this age-old tradition. In this article, we’ll delve into the rich history, legends, and vibrant celebrations that make the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival a captivating experience in Taiwan.
The History behind the Moon Festival
The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival has a history that dates back over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest traditions in Chinese culture. This venerable celebration has been cherished by the Chinese since the 10th century B.C. and gained increasing popularity during the early Tang Dynasty. Its roots are deeply intertwined with the worship of the moon and the celebration of the autumn harvest, both of which hold profound significance in Chinese society.
One of the festival’s most enduring elements is its connection to legends that have been passed down through the generations. One particularly popular version centers on the story of Chang’e, the wife of a skilled archer named Hou Yi. As the legend goes, Hou Yi was a hero who shot down nine of the ten suns that were overheating the Earth, earning him a special elixir as a reward from the Goddess of the Heavens for his valor in saving our planet. This elixir had the power to enable Hou Yi to ascend to the heavens and become a god. However, an evil man coveted this elixir and visited Hou Yi’s home in his absence. To safeguard the elixir from falling into the wrong hands, Chang’e made a fateful decision: she drank the elixir herself and soared to the moon, accompanied by a devoted rabbit. This rabbit was her companion on the lunar surface, providing her with company. Ever since that poignant moment, the heartbroken Hou Yi has set his wife’s favorite food on the table on the day of the full moon, in the hope that she might return.
Another version of this legend offers a different ending. In this variation, Hou Yi, unable to bear the separation from his beloved wife, chooses to live on the sun, visiting her only once a year, precisely on the day of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival when the moon is at its fullest.
These captivating legends, intertwined with the festival’s history, have contributed to the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival’s enduring appeal and significance in Chinese culture. Over time, this celebration has evolved and absorbed various cultural elements, becoming a multifaceted expression of family, unity, and the moon’s mystical allure.
How is the Moon Festival Celebrated in Taiwan?
Taiwan’s celebrations of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival are a vibrant tapestry of traditions and modern customs, drawing inspiration from both historical practices and contemporary trends. Families reunite to appreciate the full moon’s beauty and express their gratitude for the year’s harvest. Here are some key customs and festivities that make this celebration in Taiwan truly special:
Moon Cakes: Moon cakes, round pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients, are the festival’s most iconic treat. These delectable delicacies are often gifted to family and friends as a symbol of unity and well-wishing, reinforcing the bonds between loved ones.
Lantern Displays: Elaborate lantern displays illuminate parks and streets across Taiwan, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Families often bring their own lanterns to parks, where they are lit and released into the night sky, symbolizing the hope for a bright future and casting light on the path of life.
Moon Gazing: Families gather under the moonlight to appreciate the full moon’s beauty. Children, in particular, enjoy the tradition of guessing the shapes of the shadows on the moon’s surface, fostering a sense of wonder and togetherness.
Barbecue Tradition: In some regions of Taiwan, the festival is marked by a delicious barbecue feast. This tradition, influenced by a soy sauce manufacturer’s advertising campaign, has become an integral part of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebrations in Taiwan. Families and friends come together to grill and barbecue a variety of foods, experimenting with both traditional Chinese and Taiwanese recipes. This communal barbecue adds an extra layer of festivity and flavors to the occasion.
Storytelling Under the Moonlight: Moonlit nights provide the perfect backdrop for sharing magical stories. Families and friends often embrace the sentiment of camaraderie behind this festival by turning the night into a storytelling session. It’s a time to forge new friendships, strengthen old ones, and create lasting memories as stories are woven under the enchanting moonlight.
More About Mooncakes
During the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in Taiwan, mooncakes take center stage in the celebrations. They come in various styles influenced by different cultures and have become increasingly elaborate over the years. Let’s explore the three main types:
1. Cantonese Style: These mooncakes are renowned for their thin, sugary pastry shells made with alkaline water. Inside, you’ll find dense fillings like lotus, red bean, taro, and more, often mixed with ingredients like egg yolks, nuts, or dried fruits. Elaborate designs on the cakes’ surface are created using molds, traditionally made of wood (or plastic nowadays), with options in stone, ceramic, and metal.
2. Traditional Taiwan Style: Combining Fujian and Japanese baking techniques, this style emphasizes Taiwanese ingredients. The mooncakes feature a laminated dough made with peanut oil or lard, creating flaky layers. Common fillings include mung bean paste, braised minced meat, and fried shallots for a sweet and savory taste. They are typically stamped with a red dot or the bakery’s seal.
3. Suzhou Style: Originating near Shanghai, these mooncakes have a simpler, round appearance and a laminated dough, often made with lard. They are filled with either savory pork or sweet fillings like black or white sesame paste. Suzhou-style mooncakes are often served hot and resemble meat-filled dumplings and buns. Unlike other mooncakes, these can be found year-round.
The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in Taiwan is a celebration of tradition, legends, and togetherness. As the moon rises in the clear autumn sky, it casts a radiant glow over the hearts and minds of the Taiwanese people. The legends of Chang’E, the Jade Rabbit, and Wu Gang continue to captivate the imagination, while the sharing of moon cakes, the illumination of lanterns, and the joyous reunions of families all contribute to the magic of this cherished festival. Whether you’re a traveler exploring Taiwan or a resident celebrating with loved ones, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is an enchanting experience that beautifully reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage.
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