Mooncake Festival in China, September 12, 2011

World's largest Mooncake from 2009The Mid Autumn Festival also known as the Mooncake Festival is celebrated in China on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.  One of the biggest festivals it has it's origins dating back 3000 years.

During this time of year the giving and receiving of the traditional mooncakes is a very big deal.  

There are a number of different ledgends that are associated with the festival and it's history.

I had the good fortune to have been in China in 2009 during the festival.  During the actual time I was in Shanghai on a tour and the tour guide told us that people received so many mooncakes that the people have found ways around getting many more then they could eat.  Now some people give gift certificates for mooncakes but there is a market so they can be exchanged for money.  I can't say I really like the mooncake I got to eat but I did try a couple.  The only thing I really regret is that I did not get a chance to try a Haagen Dazs mooncake.  The tour guide said that was the best one you could get, those are ones you don't trade in.  It is important that you visit you family during this time and of course give Mooncakes, the gift certificates where more for bosses.A selection of Mooncakes

Now I have to admit I should have posted this yesterday but was a little slow getting this festival out.  I really enjoyed it and had to share it since I actually got to be there for it.

Hope you had a great Mooncake Festival!!!

 Don't forget to leave a comment or send me your favorite festival, celebration or holiday so I can feature it here.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival

http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/midfallstory.htm

UPDATE!!

So I decided that to celebrate the Mooncake Festival here at work I would offer MoonPies, not the samething but the closest I could get on short notice.