Chinese WHISPERS

Hallowe’en isn’t the only festival happening this month. The second biggest festival in the Chinese calendar, the Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival falls on 1 October or the 15th day of the eighth lunar month – also the day of the full moon.

2,000 years ago, it was a harvest festival in which offerings and sacrifices were given to the moon goddess in thanks for her bounty. These days, all over China, houses are lit up with lanterns, and feasts are held.

Many people hold shangyue or ‘moon appreciation’ parties to enjoy the occasion, sitting in their garden with guests, sipping tea and enjoying traditional delicacies, such as mooncakes, which are pastries stuffed with red bean or lotus seed paste.