When it comes to the Mid-Autumn Festival, mooncakes may be the best-known treat. But in Foshan, there are other traditional delicacies carrying festive blessings and cultural meanings. Let's take a look.

Taro

In Cantonese, the word for taro (Wu Tau) sounds like to protect the head, symbolizing family safety and reunion. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Foshan families prefer a special variety called Wu Tau Ná (literally "taro mother"), where a large taro grows with several smaller ones attached. This signifies prosperity and the blessing of more children.

A cluster of red-sprout taro, known in Foshan as Wu Tau Ná, with small taros growing from a large one. Photo/Foshan Plus

Water Caltrop

Many children today may have never seen a water caltrop. It has a crisp texture, a subtle sweetness, and a fragrance reminiscent of lotus root. Shaped like a bull's horn, the nut was historically called Ling, giving it the name Ling Jiao.

Water Caltrop. Photo/Foshan Plus

Foshan people often boil them in water or cook them into porridge. Giving water caltrop to children during Mid-Autumn is believed to bring them cleverness and wit.

A bowl of water caltrop porridge, usually eaten after mooncakes and moon-gazing, helps ease the stomach from festive indulgence.

Pomelo

Pomelo is in season during Mid-Autumn, and in Cantonese, pomelo (yau) sounds like the word for blessing or protection. This auspicious fruit not only symbolizes prayers for peace and good fortune but also helps cleanse the palate after rich foods, making it an indispensable part of the holiday table.

Pomelo. Photo/Foshan Plus

Piglet Biscuits

Made from flour and syrup, piglet-shaped biscuits are a treasured childhood memory for many in Foshan. Traditionally strung with red ribbons and sometimes placed in miniature bamboo pig cages, these biscuits were both toys and festive decorations.

Piglet Biscuits. Photo/Foshan News Network

Their plump, round shape symbolizes the wish for children to grow up healthy and chubby, while also carrying meanings of abundant wealth and prosperity at the doorstep.

As the full moon rises, families across Foshan gather to share these festive foods. Here's to reunion, joy, and a season filled with blessings.

Reporter | Zoey

Reviser | Lynn, Ella

Source | Chancheng Release, Foshan Plus, 我爱大佛山

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