In the glow of the autumn moon, synonymous with folklore and traditions, Master Translations hosted a Mid-Autumn mooncake team building on September 27, 2023. Friends and colleagues gathered, embracing the beautiful tradition of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
But first, a brief walk down history lane: The Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China’s most celebrated occasions, traces its roots back over 3,000 years. Inspired by moon worship during the Shang Dynasty, it has since evolved to symbolize reunion and harmony. Central to its celebration is the mooncake, a rich pastry often filled with sweet bean paste or lotus seed paste. While mooncakes themselves are steeped in legend—some say they played a role in Chinese uprisings—it’s their symbolic significance of unity and wholeness that resonates most today.
Back to our event: As attendees reveled in a feast of delicious dishes, the harmonious clinks of glasses created a cozy aura in the celebration. The evening was, in a word, effervescent!
The pièce de résistance, however, was the traditional Mid-Autumn mooncake gambling game. This game, with its origins in Southern Fujian, is more than a mere roll of dice. It’s a blend of tradition, anticipation, and a dash of challenge. Our attendees, termed metaphorically as “scholars”, “nominated scholars”, and “advanced scholars”, held their breath, hoping to earn the distinguished title of “top scholar”. The fervor surrounding the game infused the event with an electrifying energy.
Traditional “Bo Bing” (博餅) game of Fujian province
Fortune smiled upon a select few “top scholars”, who, amidst cheers and hoots, received the grand prize. The warmth of autumn, the infectious laughter, and the camaraderie among Master Translations’ team beautifully captured the essence of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
As the enchanting evening wrapped up, Master Translations took a moment to send waves of positivity, prosperity, and health to our esteemed clients, partners, and friends. The Mid-Autumn moon might wane, but the memories and stories remain evergreen.
Would you like to learn more about this traditional game? Click here.