Make mooncake dough by combining flour and baking soda in a bowl, then making a small well in the center and stirring in golden syrup, oil, and baking soda solution. Knead the mix into a dough, then let it sit for 3 hours. Use cookie molds or cutters to make 10-20 cookies, then place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake them at 400 °F (204 °C) for 6 minutes. Remove the cookies, brush them with a beaten egg mixture, then bake them for another six minutes. Let them cool, then store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days so the golden syrup can soften the pastry.
Making lanterns is an especially great activity for kids, who can design their own and carry it around on the night of the celebration!
4 lengths of 10 in (25 cm) 8 lengths of 5 in (13 cm) 2 lengths of 7 in (18 cm).
Use double-sided tape to attach a tealight (either a candle or electric) at the intersection of the cross.
If you want to decorate your lantern with Chinese characters or drawings, do so before you paint the glue on the tissue paper.
You can also let kids carry them around, but be careful if you used candles. You may want to use electric tealights to make a few kid-friendly lanterns, and use candles in the ones that you plan to hang up out of their reach.
If you’re hosting, make sure to get in touch with your relatives a few weeks beforehand to invite them and confirm that they’re coming. Specify a time and whether you’d like them to bring any dishes. If you eat outside, you can set up a blanket on the grass and have a picnic-style dinner. Set up a bench or small, portable table as your honor table. If you’re away from your family during the Moon Festival, or if some of your loved ones are away, make sure to call or message to wish each other a happy Moon Festival.
Many families use this time together to reminisce about times past and talk about family members who have passed away or can’t be at the celebration. Hang your lanterns outside, too. They’ll give off a soft, pleasant glow while you talk.
Make sure they’re old enough to carry the lanterns without hurting themselves or spilling the candle. You can also replace the tealight inside with an electric light that looks like a candle, often right down to its sputtering glow.
If you decide to make a trip, be sure to book your tickets and accommodations well in advance. Large cities known for their celebrations, including Beijing and Hong Kong, will often fill up quickly in the days beforehand. In many countries, the day after the Moon Festival is considered a holiday, with work and school closed. Keep this in mind if you’re traveling—you’ll be able to stay up later than usual, but some businesses may take the day off. If you live near a large city with a Chinatown neighborhood, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to catch some Moon Festival celebrations there. Ask around or do some research online to see.
