Moon Cakes

Maryam (Y7) explores Chinese food and how it relates to special festivals.  

From its unique literature and art, impressive architecture and ancient traditions, China is filled with a rich and remarkable culture. Food plays an important part in both Chinese traditions and daily life. Chinese people not only enjoy eating but believe eating good food can bring harmony and closeness within family and relationships.  

Some common and traditional foods in China include dumplings, Chinese noodles and steamed stuffed buns. For desserts popular choices might be Moon cake Yuèbǐng 月饼 (a pastry served especially for Mid-Autumn Festival), Zòngzi 粽子 (a rice dumpling enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival) and Niángāo 年糕 (a New Year rice cake). 

Chinese food is rich in colour and aromatic flavour, but often has deep meaning and history behind it. Around 3000 years ago, during the time of the Shang Dynasty and Zhou Dynasty, Moon cakes were offered as a sacrifice to the Moon Goddess during the Mid-Autmn Festival and are still eaten today.