My tweenage memories of Cabramatta's Moon Festival revolve largely around kids creaming each other with the whipped varieties (yes, perhaps I was one of these kids). Come my adulthood I have grown to appreciate and enjoy the culture and festivities that this time of year brings, which is food (and more food!)
The festival is usually held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese calendar year on the fay of a full moon. Moon worship is an important part of the festival celebration and offerings would be made to the moon. Don't people usually worship the sun? Ah, great question young caterpillar.
Many hundreds of years ago 10 suns hung high above earth. Of course this created great disasters to people and one hero who was super good with a bow and arrow shot down nine of the suns, leaving one to provide light. He had many admirers including those who are immortal. He was sent the elixir of immortality but he did not want to be immortal without his wife so he let her keep the elixir. One of the evil apprentices knew of this secret and on the 15th day of the eighth month broke into their house and forced the elixir to be handed to him. The wife refused to do so so swallowed the elixir and flew to the moon, a place where she could still be close to her husband. When the husband returned and learned of what had happened he was super devo and displayed the fruits and cakes the wife liked in the yard for her. Soon the sympathetic people of town learned of these activities and participated in these offerings with him.
Also, the Chinese believe in rejuvenation associated with the moon and water (i.e see women's "monthly water"). They often refer to the full round moon as "looking pregnant" so many women during this time give offerings and pray to the moon not just for health and good fortune, but also for fertility.
Now, to more important matters!
It was mad super busy in Cabratmatta (I caught a cab from home teehee) and decided to had Pho to nurse my "headache." No photos were taken of my delicious lunch, but it's at a place Pho Tau Bay - a place I use to frequently visit during my primary school days!
Takoyaki Octopus Balls
Dragon Beard Candy
It translates from Chinese to dragon beard candy in English, and is perhaps one of my favourite childhood Chinese sweets. Spun sugar is pulled and pulled until it resembles thin silk like strands then wrapped in peanuts, shredded coconut and sesame seeds. It is chewy in texture and sweet in taste.
Lots of take home eats
Basil Seeds
More so a Vietnamese thing, basil seeds are usually used in sweet concuctions such as che - a Vietnamese dessert comprised of fruit, jellies and syrup.
Peking duck pancake from Iron Chef
Omomnom, 4 pieces for $12(?)
Satay Chicken Kebabs
Exotic licorice - 3 for $10
Oodles of people
If you hate crowds, kids, loud noises or people overall then this is not the food festival for you. Lots of pushing and shoving, something I have grown accustomed to growing up in the burbs (along with horrible drivers). But Moon Festival is a great cultural experience, and it's a great opportunity to try lots of new dishes that different restaurants have on offer that you may not have thought of trying otherwise. As always, if you're looking for cheap eats it is hard to shy away from Cabramatta.
Here's till next year, and the year after that.
Date: 8th Sepetember 2013
Here's till next year, and the year after that.
Date: 8th Sepetember 2013
Free entry.
9pm fireworks. Lots of activities for kids including rides, face painting and balloons. Live cooking demonstrations, dance and singing performances and entertainment for everyone.
9pm fireworks. Lots of activities for kids including rides, face painting and balloons. Live cooking demonstrations, dance and singing performances and entertainment for everyone.
Labels: food