September 8th was one of China’s biggest holidays: Mid-Autumn Festival. Supposedly it dates back to the 14th century BC and is always held on the 15th day of the eighth month (according to the lunar calendar).  The traditional custom is for the Chinese people to gather as a family and enjoy fruits and moon cakes while admiring the full moon. Since people here consider the full moon to be a symbol of reunion and satisfaction, the moon cakes are sometimes called “Reunion Cake.” **Moon cakes are round and come in many different varieties with different fillings, and differ from region to region (think huge fig newton). Kristen and I also found out (after each consuming 4 in one sitting) that they are over 1,000 calories a piece.  After knowing that stat, I’m surprised the U.S. hasn’t taken to this dessert 🙂

Since ancient times, China has had many fairy tales and legends about the moon, among which the most famous is “Chang’e Flying to the Moon”. Chang’e was the wife of Houyi in ancient Chinese myths. Legend has it that she swallowed an elixir stolen from the Grand Old Lady of the West, became an immortal and flew to the moon palace. So, the mid-autumn festival is a time to remember this legend as well. But there are as many variations to this story as their are flavors of moon cake.

It is custom to give gifts to friends and loved ones. We decided to give moon cakes to our neighbors: