The meaning of mooncakes

Every Mid-Autumn Festival, the image of mooncakes becomes familiar and indispensable on family tables. However, few know that behind the sweetness of these mooncakes lies deep meanings of reunion, love, and connection.

Mooncakes originated in China, appearing at the end of the Yuan Dynasty (around the 1300s). Legend has it that during a peasant uprising led by Zhu Yuanzhang and Liu Bowen, people devised a method of using round cakes to secretly pass messages during battles. Inside the cakes, messages with the exact time for the revolt, the night of the full moon on the 15th day of the 8th month, were hidden.

The widespread distribution of the cakes helped spread the news of the uprising quickly. Since then, the Chinese people have made mooncakes on the Mid-Autumn Festival to commemorate this historical event. This tradition spread to many countries worldwide, especially in the East, including Vietnam. Over time, mooncakes have evolved, adapting to the tastes and preferences of each country.

Mooncakes typically come in two shapes: round or square. The round shape symbolizes perfection, fullness, and unity, while the square shape represents freedom and the desire for complete happiness. In Vietnamese culture and other East Asian countries, these cakes also express the wish for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

Gifting mooncakes has long been a beautiful tradition, reflecting feelings of love, gratitude, and respect. They are not just material gifts but also a way for people to send their best wishes to family, friends, partners, and colleagues. The giving of mooncakes signifies sharing and conveys hope for a bright future filled with luck and peace for the recipient.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, gathering together, gazing at the full moon, and enjoying mooncakes with warm tea becomes a cherished moment for every family. It is a time when people pause from the worries of life to spend quality time with one another, sharing stories and creating memorable experiences. This moment not only brings peace to the soul but also awakens the simple joy of reunion, of being with loved ones.

With mooncakes, there is not only culinary value but also a deeper symbolism of connection and familial bonds. Over the years, mooncakes have transcended beyond being just food, becoming a symbol of trust in happiness, steadfast connections, and the joy of reunion with each full moon.