History of moon cake
Mooncakes first appeared in ancient Chinese sacrificial rituals, where people used them to worship the moon and pray for bountiful harvests and peace. By the Tang Dynasty, mooncakes gradually became festive foods; during the Song Dynasty, people began exchanging mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival to express feelings of longing. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, mooncake production became more refined, and flavors grew increasingly diverse. Eating mooncakes and admiring the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival evolved into a cherished tradition for every household.
Beyond being a festive treat, mooncakes embody the cultural significance of “reunion.” The round shape symbolizes wholeness, harmony, and family gathering. No matter where one is, eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival represents blessings and affection for loved ones.
In modern times, mooncakes have evolved from traditional fillings like lotus seed paste, red bean paste, and five-nut to innovative flavors such as ice skin, fruit, and chocolate, becoming a seasonal treat that bridges tradition and innovation. Their forms continue to evolve.
The Evolution of Mooncakes: From Sacrificial Offerings to Symbols of Reunion
Mooncakes did not always bear their present name throughout history; their development spans thousands of years of transformation. From their origins as sacrificial foods, to becoming festive symbols during the Tang and Song dynasties, and evolving into today's diverse and creative pastries, the history of mooncakes itself tells a story of cultural exchange and changing lifestyles.
I. Shang and Zhou Dynasties: The Earliest Form—Taishi Bings
The origins of mooncakes can be traced back to the Shang and Zhou periods. A food known as “Taishi bings” was popular in the Zhejiang region, documented in the Book of Rites. It was commonly used in autumn sacrifices and is considered the earliest prototype of mooncakes.During this era, “cakes” primarily served as ritual offerings for ceremonies and sacrifices.
II. Han Dynasty: Emergence of Filled Pastries and the Dawn of Mooncake Culture
Following Zhang Qian's diplomatic missions to the Western Regions, ingredients like walnuts and sesame seeds were introduced to the interior. Central Plains pastries began incorporating flavors from Western Region fillings.The Han Dynasty saw the emergence of “Hu Bing” (Hu cakes) filled with nuts and honey. Though named differently, their preparation methods were already quite similar to modern mooncakes. This marked a crucial transition for mooncakes from “sacrificial food” to “everyday pastries.”
III. Tang Dynasty: Mooncakes Gain Popularity and Their Name
The Tang Dynasty witnessed economic and cultural prosperity, leading to an increase in pastry varieties. Folklore attributes the renaming of “Hu Bing” to “Mooncake” to Consort Yang, though lacking definitive historical evidence, this legend reflects the name's emergence and popularity during the Tang Dynasty. Tang-era mooncakes were primarily consumed during Mid-Autumn Festival moon-worship and moon-viewing rituals, gradually becoming intertwined with seasonal customs.
IV. Song Dynasty: Mooncakes Become the Symbolic Food of Mid-Autumn Festival
The Song Dynasty officially designated the Mid-Autumn Festival as a holiday, with mooncakes symbolizing family reunion. Literati exchanged mooncakes to convey longing, while regional variations developed more refined and diverse mooncake styles. By this period, mooncakes had transcended ordinary pastries to become a cultural symbol.
V. Yuan Dynasty: Mooncake Legends Flourish, Symbolism Expands
Folklore spread tales of “hiding messages in mooncakes,” though legendary in nature, these stories boosted mooncakes' popularity and cultural significance among the populace. During this era, mooncakes were increasingly gifted as festival presents, deepening their role as carriers of emotion and information.
VI. Ming and Qing Dynasties: The Golden Age of Mooncakes, with Regional Flavor Systems Maturing
By the Ming and Qing periods, mooncake-making techniques had fully matured, giving rise to distinct regional styles across the country:
- North: Beijing-style mooncakes, characterized by a firm crust and rich flavor
-South: Cantonese-style mooncakes, characterized by thin crusts, generous fillings, and sweet, mellow flavors
- Jiangsu-Zhejiang Region: Suzhou-style mooncakes, renowned for their flaky crusts
- Yunnan: Regional specialties like Yunnan ham mooncakes gradually took shape
Mooncakes became a year-round treat, though they remained most popular during the Mid-Autumn Festival.