I was surprised to receive an ornate red box, the size of a small brief case, adorned with elegant Chinese knots, and to hear a cheerful, “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival”, from my new friends, not long after my arrival in China several years ago.

They left before I could even open it. Filled with curiosity, I carefully unfastened the box and marvelled at the tiny, round cakes, evenly spaced throughout the box, surrounded by glossy, gold fabric, carefully gathered to make each little mooncake shine.

I pulled one out of its splendid little home and while I could have finished it in two bites, I nibbled tentatively, not just because it seemed so special but because I was quite uncertain. I had never seen anything like it. It was perfectly shaped with a delicate floral design stamped into the top. For such a tiny cake, it was surprisingly heavy. I took a bite, and discovered it was dense and pasty and, I admit, the taste was quite unusual.

I have since found out that the filling of mooncakes are made with sweet bean paste, lotus seed paste, jujube paste and egg yoke. Quite a difference from flour, sugar, egg and cocoa powder! I managed to eat a few but the others sat, nestled proudly in their homes, for quite some time, while I tried to share them with anyone that came by. I didn’t want tell anyone my thoughts but I could have. I found out later that most of my Chinese friends don’t like them either!

But they still faithfully give mooncakes as gifts, the decorative box being the most valued part, especially since, in China, it is acceptable to regift. When I give mooncakes, I look for attractive packaging so that my friends have a nice gift to give away.

Lucky, bright red is the most common colour and my favourite mooncake memory involves taking such a case to our new neighbours, in one of our previous apartments. It was the beginning of an enjoyable friendship. They accepted the gift happily and from then on, whenever Western holidays came along, they brought us a gift. Delicious homemade dumplings were often delivered to our door and they were eager to visit anytime.

Mid-Autumn Festival is tomorrow and I am seeing mooncakes everywhere. I love looking for new, unique twists such as tea or flower flavour, fruit or vegetable filled or the best yet, ice-cream mooncakes.

Western chains haven’t missed out on the chance to make their own version. This box of assorted mooncakes, including coffee and caramel flavour (I don’t know what could be more “unChinese”) is on display at the entrance of Starbucks and is going for over $100! With it’s especially ornate box and display, people are buying. While I was admiring them, one man purchased five boxes!

But more than the mooncakes, I am looking forward to the quiet evening of celebration. It is a meaningful holiday. Not weeks of fireworks, like Chinese New Year but a pause, to bless friends and relatives, enjoy the fruit of the harvest and remember family members who are far away. In the evening, families go for a peaceful walk outside and lift their eyes high. And we join them, as they take comfort in knowing that distant family and friends gaze up at the same round, bright, full moon. The shape of their perfectly formed mooncakes.