Kue bulan, also known as mooncake, is a traditional Chinese food that has a deep meaning in Chinese culture. In every fall, there will always be a mooncake celebration or festival. This moment is one of the important moments in Chinese culture and is often a warm moment to gather with family and loved ones.

When is the mooncake festival celebrated?

The mooncake festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar, and in 2023, it will be on September 29, 2023. This moment must be when the full moon reaches its peak in the sky. This is the time when the moon and the earth become very close, so at this time the full moon also reaches its peak in the sky. This creates a very beautiful view of the bright moon, perfect for the festival.

What is the history of the origin of mooncakes?

There are many legends behind mooncakes. However, one of the most popular stories is the story of 10 suns in the morning sky of Ancient China. The 10 suns certainly made the earth very hot, which caused drought and hunger because many crops fell. However, there came Huo Yi, an archer, he managed to shoot 9 suns and leave 1 in the sky. Through heroic action, Huo Yi managed to save the earth.

For Huo Yi's successful action, the king gave him a longevity pill as a token of appreciation. However, Chang Er, Huo Yi's lover, took the pill and gained immortality and became the Moon Goddess on the moon. After becoming a moon goddess, Chang Er hardly returned to earth and met Huo Yi and the people of Ancient China. So, to commemorate Chang Er's sacrifice and to express gratitude, the Chinese people ate moon-shaped sweet cakes.

What are the various types of mooncakes?

The types of mooncakes vary greatly. These mooncake variations correspond to the styles and flavors of different regions. Mooncake fillings also depend on the local food culture and traditions. Here are some popular types of mooncakes:

1. Snow skin mooncake: This type of mooncake originated in Hong Kong. As the name "snow" suggests, the skin is white like snow. Quite different from other types of mooncakes, snow skin mooncake must be stored in the refrigerator, so it is served cold.

2. Beijing mooncake: This is a specialty of Northern China, originating from Beijing to be precise. This mooncake has a soft texture and generally has a fresh fruit filling. The red geometric lines or images on top of the cake characterize this type of mooncake.

3. Cantonese mooncake: Originating from Guangdong Province, Cantonese mooncake is the most popular type of mooncake in the world, including Indonesia. The unique feature of this mooncake is the beautiful mandarin script motif carved on top. The contents of these mooncakes vary greatly. However, the most commonly used ingredients are sesame seed paste, bean paste, meat and whole egg yolk.

4. Suzhou mooncake: Suzhou-style mooncakes are the oldest among other types of mooncakes. Suzhou mooncakes or Su mooncakes date back more than a thousand years. It is synonymous with its crispy crust due to its multi-layered pastry.

Author: Fiona Aurelia Darma

Referensi: 

Lebih Tau Asal Usul Mooncake. (n.d.). https://www.malkelapagading.com/articles/asal-usul-mooncake#:~:text=Mooncake%20Festival%20atau%20yang%20dikenal,)%20dan%20perempuan%20(bulan).

Pang, K. (2023). Chinese Mooncakes 2022: Top Flavors, Recipes, symbols. Mooncake in Wendy Wu:Homecoming Warrior. China Highlights - Since 1998! https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/mooncake.htm#google_vignette

Sejarah dan Mitos Festival Kue Bulan. (2016, September 15). CMA Mental Arithmetic - Indonesia. https://www.cmaindo.com/articles/festival-kue-bulan/