It’s Moon Festival time in Taiwan. So what the heck does that mean? Well, from what I have gathered it’s like the 4th of July, but instead of the “Amuuurica F*ck Yeah” rants, there are moon cakes. Lots and lots of moon cakes.
The Moon Festival, also known as Mid-Autumn Festival, takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar, during a full moon. Basically, all of the stars have to align for this magical day of moon worshipping and gazing to commence.
Sign me up. I’m all about pagan-like worship to the moon.
Pomelos
Back in the good ole’ days, people utilized this time to give thanks for the harvest. But nowadays – typical of the new age of people who have lost touch with the land – they just go to Costco, buy groceries, and BBQ. They also eat pomelos (sort of like a grapefruit) and parade around wearing the peels as hats, whilst lighting fireworks. Hmmm…Costco, BBQ, fireworks. A lot like the 4th of July, right?
So back to the moon cakes. I’m pretty sure moon cakes are the Taiwanese version of fruit cakes; everyone and their mom gives them away during the week of the festival, and I’m pretty sure the same ones are recycled over and over. My boyfriend received 4 boxes of the things, and we gave them to the doormen in our building. Dom did try one, but they are not really our cup of tea, as they are very dense and sweet, but then -out of nowhere – there is a savory egg yolk in the middle. Gross.
One awesome perk of the Moon Festival is that we have a 4-day weekend, which we are taking full advantage of. Tomorrow we leave for Hong Kong, and we will have the chance to see how they celebrate the Moon Festival across the pond.
Expect a post about the experience soon.
Namaste
-J
Photograph by Keat Chin
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