She is described as a model of feminine beauty and elegance. Later versions of the story, still told today, present a more flattering image of the goddess. She then escaped to the moon, where she was condemned to a lonely existence. (Image credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art)Ĭhang'e is said to have stolen the elixir of immortality from her husband, Yi, the great archer and hero of Chinese mythology (opens in new tab). The earliest versions (opens in new tab) of the story can be traced back to the Warring States (opens in new tab), a significant historical period between 475-221 B.C., marked by recurrent warfare, bureaucratic reforms and political consolidation. These are notable elements of popular lore, rooted in China’s long history and rich cultural traditions.Ĭustomarily, the Mid-Autumn Festival is associated with the popular legend about Chang'e (嫦娥), the goddess of the moon. The legends behind the festivalĪs a scholar of Chinese religions (opens in new tab), I am especially fascinated by the legends associated with the origins of the festival. These are created by commercial ice cream companies in order to tap into the lucrative mooncake market and cater to contemporary tastes. It is even possible to find ice cream mooncakes (opens in new tab). The yellow egg yolk adds another layer of symbolism, as it resembles the round moon in the sky.Īdditionally, there are contemporary flavors (opens in new tab) such as chocolate, coffee or green tea. There are many regional variations (opens in new tab), some of which contain a preserved egg yolk in the middle. Usually, mooncakes come with traditional fillings (opens in new tab), such as red bean or white lotus seed paste. The roundness of the full moon, in turn, symbolizes wholeness by extension, it conveys a sense of spiritual contentment, coming together and reunion. The round shape of the mooncake is meant to evoke an image of the full moon. The gifting and eating of mooncakes (opens in new tab) is arguably the most emblematic feature of the festival. (Image credit: VCG via Getty Images) Mooncakes: Tradition and innovation 20, 2021, during celebrations of the Moon Festival. Moon cakes on display at Laojun Mountain on Sept.
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