WHY DO WE ENJOY THE MOON, EAT CAKES, AND DRINK TEA ON THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL?
Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional cultural feature of Vietnam and takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month every year. On this day, people often gather with their families, watch the moon, enjoy tea, eat moon cakes and tell each other stories about Hang, Cuoi, Ngoc rabbit... So what is the origin of these legends?
Why do we enjoy the moon and eat moon cakes on Mid-Autumn Festival?
Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Reunion Festival. Legend has it that Asia used to be the strongest in the rice industry. August is the time to double the old crop, so after about August 3rd of the lunar calendar, farmers start to relax. In addition, August falls in the fall, the weather is nice, the sun is not too harsh and the storms are not big, it is the perfect time to relax. And perhaps, the magical, round full moon of the 15th of August urges people to enjoy the moon, and enjoying the moon with a cup of tea and cake is wonderful. Perhaps that is how the Mid-Autumn Festival was born.
As this day approaches, cakes, toys and lanterns are sold throughout the streets, and children happily sing along. On this occasion, people often give gifts or send wishes of health and reunion, to show their appreciation to their loved ones.
Why did Ms. Hang appear on the day of family reunion?
For some reason, Mid-Autumn Festival is always associated with the Moon Lady. On this day, children eagerly wait to hear that legendary folk tale and even though they have heard it many times, they still can't help but widen their eyes with delight.
It is said that, long ago, there was a couple who loved each other deeply and were completely happy. The man was Hou Yi, the woman was Hang Nga. Because Hou Yi was talented and had outstanding martial arts skills, many people asked to learn from him. Among Hou Yi's students, there was a person with an evil heart named Bong Mong. Bong Mong wanted to take the immortality pill that Hang Nga was holding, so when Hou Yi was out, he suppressed Hang Nga to steal what he wanted. In a moment of urgency, Hang Nga swallowed the pill and became a fairy, but because she did not want to be too far away from her beloved husband, she stopped at the Moon, the closest place to Earth, and there she watched Hou Yi every day. From then on, every 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the most beautiful full moon day of the year, Hou Yi would prepare a small feast, with cakes and tea, and enjoy the moon in memory of his beloved wife.
Can't miss the delicious food: moon cake
Whenever we mention the Mid-Autumn Festival, we are sure to be moved by the wonderful taste of moon cakes. This cake only appears for a few days each year during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Are you curious about its origin?
Legend has it that in a certain kingdom, on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the King and the Queen were drinking tea and enjoying the moon when the Shang Thien Doi (main kitchen) presented a strange cake that was skillfully molded with unique patterns, round and round like the full moon that day. The cake had both salty and sweet flavors, and was absolutely perfect. The King was so delighted that he named the cake Nguyet and spread it widely to all the people to enjoy. From then on, the King encouraged the people of the city to gather together every 15th day of the 8th lunar month to enjoy Nguyet cakes. The custom of eating cakes, enjoying the moon, and drinking tea was born from that.
Therefore, the Moon cake is kept until today and renamed as the Mid-Autumn cake. The cake has been transformed into many different types, also has many different fillings such as mixed fillings, green beans... but in general, it still retains the old characteristic of being round like the full moon in August.
There is only one Mid-Autumn Festival each year, so put aside all your worries and eat mooncakes, enjoy the moon and drink tea with your family. Don't forget the gifts and wishes for reunion.
Tet Reunion,
I wish you peace.
