Chef Ed Dychauco, RN
On the 15th day of August every year on the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which falls on the 22nd of September this year, it is said to have the biggest & roundest full moon of the year, which is a sign of abundance. And once again, people from the Chinese community all over the world will be celebrating “Zhong Qiu Jie” (Mid-Autumn Festival).
Like the Western “Thanksgiving” celebration, the Harvest Moon is a day for family reunions. In other parts of the world, children and adults as well enjoy the sight of the Full Moon by staying outside their house, while some would even parade multi-colored lanterns along the streets, hence also known as “Lantern Festival”. As for “lovers”, it is a night that is full of romance while moon-gazing!
This exhilarating festival dates back to the Tang Dynasty in 618 A.D. and like many other celebrations, there are exciting ancient histories & legends surrounding or closely associated with it. However, in this modern world, people are more thrilled in the “game” associated with this festival than any other things. Aside of course, from the fun, camaraderie & bonding with family members & friends.
Traditionally, relatives & friends also give “Special” moon cakes as presents. Packaged nicely and quite expensive, these delicious hopia are made of lotus seed paste, red bean paste, black bean paste with salted egg yolks, representing the full moon. Some would also have nuts & seeds in them like pumpkin, sesame or watermelon seeds, almond, peanuts and walnuts. Chinese characters are also imprinted on top for longevity or harmony. Moon cakes are considered a delicacy. Producing them is labor-intensive, that is why most people prefer to buy them than making it themselves.
I grew up in a typical Chinese family in Chinatown, Manila and in doing, we always celebrate this festivity by playing the dice game with Moon cakes as prizes. Whoever get to win the 1st prize is considered to be lucky and would have a great & fruitful year ahead.
It is the time of the year where “Hopia” maker make the most money because of this festivity. Since I come from a big family, we would normally have two sets of moon cake for the dice game, one for the “elderly” (meaning those who are married) and one for the “kids” (children & singles).
As the years passed, the traditional hopia as prizes evolved into more practical items like school supplies. However, we would also have other “special” food items as prizes. And as we play, we would also start devouring our edible “winnings”.
Usually, we kick start it with a sumptuous dinner of fresh Chinese Lumpia (a very delicious & nutritious meal by itself!). But since kids would normally eat less of the “veggies”, an array of meat, chicken and other mouth-watering dishes would also be served. Technically, the hopia becomes our “dessert” as we drink tea with it while playing.
And since we live in the heart of Chinatown where tall buildings covers the moon, we would just imagine and therefore, celebrate it in the dining table and enjoy the food, the game & the laughter instead.
When I moved here to CDO, we continue the tradition of getting together & playing. But this time, we have to have our moon cakes shipped from Manila. We also have a second set for the kids which they enjoy tremendously. We also get to see the full moon from our windows! A much better view than the one in Manila I should say!
I also get to enjoy this yearly celebration with my family with the Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc (MOFCCCI). In fact, everyone looks forward to this event since this is one-of-a-kind of festivity where one not only get to have fun, but to bring home lots of “prizes” (if one is lucky)!
I was born on this “special day” many, many years ago. That is why I always look forward to this occasion because it seems like everyone is celebrating my Chinese Lunar Natal Day! And that makes me very special! In fact, my Chinese name is “Zhong Qiu”, which literally means, Mid-Autumn!
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