A mooncake is an Asian pastry traditionally served during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Mooncakes are enjoyed by families and friends as they give thanks to their harvest and appreciate the moon. Many mooncakes take on a round shape to honour the full moon, a symbol of prosperity and family reunion.
However, mooncakes have evolved into many shapes and sizes. These tasty treats are loved by people in Eastern and Southeastern Asian countries including China, Thailand, Japan (geppei), Vietnam (bánh trung thu), and many more!
Mooncake Designs
In Chinese culture, roundness symbolizes completeness and togetherness. While the round shape of the mooncake is the most common, you can also find square, flower, or animal shaped mooncakes. Traditional mooncakes will usually have an intricate pattern pressed into the surface which can hold deep meaning. Some examples are the lotus flower which symbolizes purity, vines and swirls which symbolize longevity, and Chinese characters such as 福 (good fortune) and 幸福(happiness). (Photo: Jack L)
Mooncake Fillings
Traditional filling flavors are red bean paste, lotus seed paste, salted egg yolk, and mixed nuts. Fillings can be sweet, savoury, or a combination. These fillings can also hold meaning; lotus seed paste symbolizes purity and perfection, and red bean paste represents love and harmony. The salted egg yolk holds a strong significance as it represents the full moon. (Photo by Fanny Schertzer: Mooncake with lotus seed paste filling)
Culture Days at Britannia Shipyards NHS
Visit Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site on October 4-5 and 11-12 from 10am to 4pm during the 2025 Culture Days, to make your own Mid-Autumn Festival mooncake out of playdough! See our event page for details. Admission is free.
