Mooncakes: A Hallmark of Tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival October 6, 2018 10:30 am - 12:00 pm(please note change in time)
The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (中秋節), linked to legends of Chang E, the mythical Moon Goddess of Immortality, is second most celebrated festival in China, after the New Year. Thought to be the time of year when the moon is at its roundest and brightest, the festival is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, corresponding to late September to early October of the Gregorian calendar. The ancient Chinese observed that the movement of the moon had a close relationship with changes of the seasons and agricultural production. Hence, to express their thanks to the moon and celebrate the harvest, they offered a sacrifice to the moon on autumn days, often including drinking wine and composing odes.
The delicacy known as the mooncake (月餅), a round pastry usually filled with red bean or lotus seed paste, has been a part of Chinese culture for more than three thousand years. Traditionally the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival has been the occasion for the sharing and eating of mooncakes among family and friends, to signify completeness and unity of family. This program, presented by Beebee Tam-Beck, will include the history and a demonstration of the tools and making of this favored pastry.
From our presentation:
(For an enlarged view: click on image on PC, or pinch to zoom on mobile devices)
Many thanks to Northwest China Council for their technical support.
Our educational program series has been developed in collaboration with PSU’s Institute for Asian Studies, and is free and open to the public. First Saturday PDX current full season schedule and descriptions available HERE.