The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival) began in ancient times when emperors offered sacrifices to the sun in springtime and to the moon in autumn. It wasn't until the Ming (1368 to 1644) and Qing (1644 to 1912) Dynasties when the celebrations became widely popular in Chinese culture. What I find most interesting are the legends that emerged from these time periods— one of my favorites being about the Moon Goddess, Chang'e.
Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of gathering, of giving thanks, and of celebrating tradition.
Gathering: of loved ones and fresh, seasonal crops.
Giving thanks: for the harvest, for togetherness, and for a healthy and happy year ahead.
Tradition: eating mooncakes, appreciating the moon, having dinner with loved ones, making colorful lanterns, and more!
The Festival begins mid-September, near the month's full moon. It's said the moon is the brightest and roundest during this time, symbolizing family reunion. Chinese people travel near and far to visit with family and friends.
We were fortunate to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with our Foreign Affairs Officer, some students, and their parents. We gathered Wednesday evening and started the night off with our host's favorite red tea while we waited for the rest of the party to arrive. Once everyone had chosen their seats— one table for spicy hot pot, the other for a vegetable, salty broth— we began our meals.
With Chinese hot pot, there are many, many dishes to choose from: beef, prawns, lotus root, mushrooms, tofu, bok choy... the list goes on! To eat, you simply place your vegetable or meat of choice in your table's communal broth, wait several minutes, take it out, and dip the cooked vegetable or meat in your personalized spice dish (which is usually full of oils, garlic, green onion, parsley, sesame seeds, and chili).
So, so, so unbelievably delicious and fun! Hot pot is a lovely way to spend time with a group of people. When cooking and enjoying a meal together under the light of the full moon— what could be better?
We thought we might enjoy a glass or two of wine with dinner, but seeing as how we were with the parents of our students, we wanted to be on our best behavior. We soon found this wouldn't be an option.
In Chinese tradition, it's customary, when asked, to share 3 drinks. It's thought to represent good luck. There were easily 10 parents there and they all asked us to drink with them— the equivalent of 30 drinks! We did our best to be polite, but then our host brought out quite a few bottles of baijo: a traditional Chinese spirit, usually around 50% ABV.
Needless to say, we found ourselves outpaced quickly. Everyone was rosy cheeked, laughing well into the night. Gānbēi! - 干杯 - Cheers!
