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2024 MTI Cheng Sixiang Mooncake

Traditional Festival Food: Mooncake

Introduction

Mooncakes are a kind of a traditional pastry with exquisite shapes and diverse flavors. They hold a pivotal position in the long history of Chinese food culture. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the round mooncakes echo the bright full moon, symbolizing family reunion and the joy of sharing harmonious moments together. On a physical level, they carry profound cultural connotations and national emotions. A deep study of the Chinese culture embedded in mooncakes helps us better understand the value of traditional customs. Then we can better inherit and promote the excellent traditional Chinese culture.

The Origin and Development of Mooncake

The history of mooncakes is long and profound. Its origin can be traced back to the "Taishi Bing"(Grand Preceptor's Cake) during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. According to legend, "Taishi Bing" was a type of pastry with thin edges and a thick center created in memory of Wen Zhong, the Grand Preceptor of King Zhou in the Shang Dynasty. During the Shang and Zhou periods, when King Wu of Zhou launched a campaign against King Zhou of Shang, the latter dispatched Grand Preceptor When Zhong to lead troops in defense. To solve the food shortage during military marches, Wen Zhong invented this sweet pastry as portable rations for soldiers. This pastry has a relatively simple production process. Due to its unique taste and significant historical background, "Taishi Bing" gradually spread among ordinary people and became a popular food at the time. Its emergence marked the beginning of ancient Chinese pastry culture, exerting a profound influence on the development of later mooncakes and other pastries. It is widely regarded as the "ancestor" of mooncakes.

During the Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions increased exchanges between the Central Plains and the Western Regions. Ingredients such as sesame and walnuts were introduced. These sparked new innonvations in pastry-making, giving rise to "Hu Bing"(Barbarian Pastry). Made with walnut kernels as filling,"Hu Bing" was a round pastry whose production process improved upon that of the earlier "Taishi Bing". To make it, flour was first mixed with water and oil to form a dough. Walnut kernels and other fillings were then wrapped inside, after which the dough was rolled into a round shape, sprinkled with sesame seeds on the surface, and baked in an oven. The emergence of this pastry enriched the variety of ancient Chinese baked goods. Its unique taste and flavor made it widely popular.

During the Tang Dynasty, the custom of admiring the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival gradually gained popularity. The embryonic form of mooncakes began to appear. Most prototypes of Tang Dynasty mooncakes were round. They resemble the shape of the moon, reflecting the ancient Chinese people's observation of nature and their yearning for beautiful things. The production process of mooncakes in the Tang Dynasty was improved based on the Han Dynasty "Hu Bing". The early prototype of mooncakes in the Tang Dynasty was primarily consumed by the imperial court and noble classes. As a precious food, they were used in ceremonies such as rewards, banquets, and sacrifices. In these contexts, mooncaked were not only a delicacy but also symbols of status and prestige, embodying the luxury and refined tastes of the court and nobility.

The term "Mooncake" first appeared in the "Mengliang Lu"("Record of Dreams in Liang"), written by Wu Zimu during the Southern Song Dynasty. By this period, mooncakes had become a common type of pastry. They were available alongside various other flavored pastries in markets for customers to purchase at any time, without obvious seasonal restrictions. Historical records indicate that Southern Song Dynasty mooncakes used fillings containing ghee and sugar. The addition of ghee made the crust crispier, while sugar enhanced their sweetness and enriched their flavor. The emergence of mooncakes in the Song Dynasty laid the foundation for the evolution of their cultural connotations and significance during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Over time, mooncakes gradually became associated with the theme of family reunion on the Mid-Autumn Festival. They evolved into a vital component of Mid-Autumn culture.

During the Yuan Dynasty, mooncakes gradually gained popularity among the common people and became one of the essential foods for the Mid-Autumn Festival. By this time, their production techniques and flavors had grown more diverse. In addition to traditional sweeet varieties, savory moonckaes filled with ingredients like meat and nuts emerged. In the Ming Dynsty, mooncakes became an official festival food for the Mid-Autumn Festival. And the craftsmanship was increasingly sophisticated, which has been documented in the writings of scholars. The Qing Dynasty marked a pivotal period in the development of mooncakes, which are built on previous traditions. Qing-era mooncakes' production saw continuous innovation and improvement, with significant enhancements in both variety and quality. In the imperial court, the making process of mooncakes was highly meticulous, using premium ingredients and featuring elegant designs. Meanwhile, in rurala and urban areas, distinct regional styles of mooncakes emerged. A thriving landscape appeared in the market of mooncakes.

In modern times, with the development of society, the improvement in living standards, and the blending of food cultures, flavors of mooncakes have become more diverse than ever. Mooncakes are continuously innovated. Classic traditional flavors like red bean paste, lotus seed paste, and five-nut remain popular. In addition, an array of novel and unique flavors have emerged, catering to consumers' personalized preferences. What's more, as people's health awareness has grown, there is a higher demand for the health attributes of mooncakes. To meet this need for healthier options, many low-sugar, low-fat, and sugar-free mooncakes have entered the market.

传统节日美食：月饼

引言

月饼，这一造型精美、口味多样的传统糕点，在中国饮食文化的长河中占据着举足轻重的地位。每逢中秋佳节，圆圆的月饼与皎洁的明月遥相呼应，成为合家团圆、共享天伦的象征。从物质层面看，它是满足味蕾的美食；从精神层面讲，它承载着深厚的文化内涵与民族情感。深入研究月饼所蕴含的中华文化，有助于我们更好地理解传统习俗的价值，传承和弘扬中华优秀传统文化。