As the moon shines its fullest and brightest in the autumn sky, I wish you a wonderful and joyous Mid-Autumn Festival! This festival, which dates back over 3,000 years, celebrates the end of the harvest season and the abundance that comes with it. It is a time when farmers would give thanks to the moon for a bountiful harvest, marking the transition from summer’s heat to autumn’s cool breeze. In many ways, it reflects how we too pause to appreciate the fruits of our labour, both literal and metaphorical, as we head towards the year’s end.
Now, let’s talk about the legendary mooncakes! These delicious pastries have an intriguing history. During the Yuan Dynasty, when China was ruled by the Mongols, rebels seeking to overthrow their oppressors found a clever way to pass secret messages—inside mooncakes! Hidden notes within the mooncakes helped coordinate the famous uprising that eventually led to the establishment of the Ming Dynasty. So, every bite of mooncake not only carries sweet lotus paste but also a rich history of rebellion, revolution, and triumph.
However, my friend, let me gently remind you that while mooncakes are delicious and iconic, the Mid-Autumn Festival is not the “Mooncake Festival.” While many of us may joyfully indulge in these treats (sometimes too many!), the celebration is not about the cake itself. The mooncake is incidental to the larger significance of the festival, which is about reunion, reflection, and gratitude for the harvest. It is a time for families to come together, to admire the full moon, and to celebrate harmony and prosperity. The cake is just a tasty bonus!
As the poet John Keats beautifully said in his ode to autumn, “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.” May this Mid-Autumn Festival be a time of harvest, both in the fields and in your heart. May you gather joy, peace, and prosperity, just as farmers once gathered their crops under the same bright moon.
Wishing you a festival full of warmth, moonlit nights, and—of course—a few mooncakes for good measure!
Yours in festive cheer
Alex CHANG & Co
