Moon cake gambling

Moon cake gambling is popular in Xiamen.

Moon cake gambling (搏饼) is a game which people participate in with family members and friends during the Mid-autumn Festival. The game originated in Xiamen, Fujian Province, more than 300 years ago. People never play with money. In earliest times, the winners of the game were rewarded with moon cakes. Nowadays, the winners get groceries or gift certificates from local department stores.

The game is played using six dices. On each one, there are the numbers 1 to 6 in red and black colors. Each player will throw the dice in a big bowl. If he/she gets 6 dices with the number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 on them, they will take the first prize. If they get 4 dices with the number red 4 on them, they win the second prize. Three red 4 on the dices entitle the player to win another less expensive gifts. If there is no red 4, the player will lose his/her turn.

Moon cake gambling is the most popular folk game during the Mid-Autumn Festival period in Xiamen. It has added more excitement to this traditional festival. .