China Changed My Mind About Tradition

The mid-autumn festival came and went - here it's much centred around the mooncakes. Making them, eating them, offering to the moon, and stealing them. I've only celebrated four mid-autumn festivals here, but I must admit I already feel quite nostalgic about it all.
Lots of love,
Miriam
PS. See previous mid-autumn videos here: • Mid-Autumn Festivals &...
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› ABOUT ME
My name is Miriam Follin. I’m a Swedish woman who has been living in-between Sweden and China since 2015. In 2017 I married my Chinese husband Yonghong, and we have since had two baby boys. In my videos I share the experience living in-between these two cultures.
Thank you for watching!

[@willyhwang1059]

she's the mom that everyone wants and needs in their lives.

[@claudiayungfah1780]

She works so hard for her family

[@krollpeter]

Chinese mums can be quite .... terrible. Especially to "her".

[@cherylbarrel9966]

Amen to that! And her mother in law and family have welcomed her so thoroughly into the family. It encourages my heart to see these blessings. Thank you so much!

[@annicarosander2074]

@@cherylbarrel9966 Well they also have been very lucky with their daughter in law I dare say! Very much so!

[@colonylaser4860]

This is one of the most meditative videos I've ever seen. I'm flooded with melancholy for a place I'd never been to, memory of a tradition that is both familiar and different than the one I grew up with in the Cantonese south. Beautiful beyond words

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@caehlers]

Miriam's voice is SO mezmerizing - a fabulous storyteller!

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank you ❤

[@gaia-papaya8772]

I agree 🥹❣️

[@MrTVintro]

I could imagine her as the narrator on a Ghibli movie

[@MiriamFollin]

@@MrTVintro wow, that's a compliment! ❤️

[@iris1951]

Your mother in law is an awesome woman. Traditional Chinese women, work hard, kind and can do everything for her kids and family!

[@ginafox27]

What a beautiful video! It made me so emotional. The beautiful smile of your mother in law, the tradition, the narration so warm and welcoming. The world needs more of this right now ❤

[@smetchaupeter516]

Can we also talk about the soothing voice of Aunty?! Wow she is much like my Mother, soft-spoken, intellectual, traditional and kind. What a motherly figure, she is!!! I think for a woman, a kind mother-in-law is a gift from God and Mariam has been blessed by God.

[@ysoignoran1028]

Miriam is really an expert in filming and how she narrated and edited the clips are so impressive

[@plentyrockz]

I'm so impressed by the editing. All of Miriam's videos are expertly edited and story boarded like a documentary.

[@agymayachelonia8381]

I love how she is making it with a recipe that is in her mind and was passed down through the family.

[@goldHydrangeas]

Yes just eyeball it 😂

[@EuroTravChannel]

Wow, Miriam is a talented film maker. The entire process of the festival and the warmth of positive human relations are everywhere. The story telling is very clear. Nobody in China has ever documented how rural Han farmers in Qinghai celebrate the traditional Moon Festival. The traditions differ from region to regions, and many are vanishing fast. This makes this video of Miriam invaluable!

[@laurabohlander5985]

I had a similar experience. I think we don't appreciate our traditions until we're away from them. Now I'm trying to catch up on years of traditions I used to take for granted 😁

[@MiriamFollin]

Very true, and I think it applies to culture in general - moving to China I also got more interested in Swedish folk music, Swedish history , myths, etc., on top of our traditions.

[@MiriamFollin]

Very true, and I think it applies to culture in general - moving to China I also got more interested in Swedish folk music, Swedish history , myths, etc., on top of our traditions.

[@laurabohlander5985]

@@MiriamFollin exactly!

[@yvonnebirch6026]

Oh so true. I moved to California over 40 years ago and miss my Dutch traditions. More as I got older. That might have something to do with nostalgia for the past. Such a sweet mother in law ! Such an important part of your life Miriam. I had a similar connection with my Dutch/Hungarian mother in law. Even though she has long passed I still feel her inspiring me. With such gratitude ! Blessings to you both and of course to your lovely family ! 💕🌷

[@kirstenfox182]

Things also come back to life when one has children, you get to see everything new again and it's something to be treasured.

[@artistuk9590]

Miriam, you should enter your film in Short Film/Documentary category at either Sundance Festival in US, or Cannes or similar in Europe. It's beautifully done. You will no doubt win awards in the future. It would help your family too. Think about it. :)

[@saralillo5487]

I think she looks so wise. Traditions are something that people enjoy no matter what culture are you from. She should make a book about all the recipes, natural plants and care customs she has gathered over all her life.

[@terantruitt66]

I can see how happy you are in China Miriam. Your mother in law is just so amazing.

[@MiriamFollin]

️❤️

[@juliegoodwin6850]

Just gorgeous, beautifully filmed and narrated ! Thanks to your in-laws for sharing!

[@willcookmakeup]

Your mother in law has truly one of the most soothing voices I've ever heard in my entire life

[@Amacott99]

Oh WOW……the process of the dough making alone was incredible let alone the beautiful end result.

[@sharonmiller2940]

What a beautifully crafted video, Miriam. It was both informational and touching...and your mother-in-law's narration was warm and caring. You've developed such a personal style of filming now, and it works so very well with your gift of storytelling. I look forward to every new video you make, and it's so great that you're back in China. There is so much that you can share with those of us who will never visit such a place. It's such a blessing for me (us) that you can give such an intimate peek inside this culture. Thank you for sharing what you are observing and learning . Sharon, from North Carolina ❤️

[@fredamarty1]

thank you your hard work to share with us China's beautiful culture and tradtions. I enjoyed every minute of watching.

[@LeesaYu]

This is SUCH a beautiful video ♥️♥️♥️ thank you for sharing China’s beautiful culture with the world 🥹🥹

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank you ❤❤❤

[@ivanajuricic3447]

You are a great story teller..and such a great things you tell..thank you.

[@dbrzy8989]

the shots, the cuts, the zooms ins and outs edits and all flows so well. The narration fits perfectly

[@banaabekwegirl5731]

This is an amazing video, truly one of your best! Thank you for sharing something that touches the heart and feeds the soul, and resonates with all the things I value in my life. It makes me happy for many reasons, not least of which is to see inter-cultural acceptance.

[@tasc7214]

You've outdone yourself, Miriam - just beautiful!

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank you so much!

[@tasc7214]

😊 you're very welcome

[@puffpush5898]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful reflections. The love in your family is absolutely radiating.

[@MiriamFollin]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sansibar6850]

hello from Germany ❣️

[@yugoslava6409]

If there was competition for the best mother in law and daughter in law, you wouldn't have competition. You two respectable LADIES are winners. 💐❤️🎉🏆 And I mean, globally!!!! 🥇

[@sombrerogalaxy1]

What a wonderful documentary. It’s particularly interesting to see regional variation in Chinese culture. The snake on the mooncake. Such a cute story.

[@Jillybean620]

What a lovely tradition. Your MIL’s moon cakes are true works of art. Amazing.

[@MiriamFollin]

She's an amazing at any food really, she's my favourite cook!

[@rockchick0367]

This video will be such a treasure for your husband and kids one day.

[@anam7300]

This film is a treasure, story telling, images of childhood being nurtured by family while keeping a tradition that bonds people . I love your Children’s grandmother.

[@MiriamFollin]

️❤️️❤️️❤️

[@lenniezhang5609]

Younhong's mom has a really beautiful voice, and Miriam you also have a great voice, so calm and colorful.

[@slavicachang7440]

Hello Miriam, your videos so touch my heart. I’m from Slovenia and my husband is Chinese born in Taiwan. We live in Australia and have two lovely children now grown up. Life certainly can be challenging coming from different cultures however keeping an open mind, always curious and ready to explore and you will be blessed many times over. This year after many years..was the first year I dared to make Chinese New Year cake ( Nian Gao) by myself and to my shock it got a big thumbs up. So continue being curious, brave and explore what life offers. Wishing you and your lovely family much happiness. ❤❤❤❤

[@freeomelettefarm]

Your videos are always so beautiful to watch and listen to! And I can’t believe how beautiful those cakes are!!! What a beautiful tradition!

[@MiriamFollin]

❤❤❤

[@valerieayla4687]

My family is a mix, a hybrid like yours, but we are far away from elders and the traditions.We wanted to create a life in the same vein as yours, but whatever we did it did not work. Now kids are grown and we are a mishmash of values. Take care, stay committed, cultivate and nurture your community and grow your roots deep! Thank you and blessings on your journey!

[@MiriamFollin]

I'm sorry to hear it didn't end up being the life you wanted! But I hope you are not too hard on yourself - our life look wonderful in videos, but we struggle too, with values, cultures, language... It's not easy! I think community is such an important aspect, and something that we lack.

[@blueyomogi]

Miriam, I am in awe of what you have documented and the beautiful way you have shared it. I can imagine the challenges and wish for happiness and health for you and your family.

[@valerieayla4687]

@@MiriamFollin you are amazingly generous. Thank you 🙏🌹🦋

[@kimkay-daniels5701]

This is such a lovely video. I've lived in Shanghai for the last 5 years but this is the 1st time I've seen the real cultural traditions of the moon festival. Bless your family for sharing this with us 🙂

[@willyhwang1059]

so heart warming. this is the life we aspire to live in our world amidst political and societal upheavals.

[@gaia-papaya8772]

There’s always so much love, magic and beauty in your videos🤍💛🤍💛🤍

[@wau6375]

Thanks! Like how you look at and accepted other cultures without prejudices.

[@deborahbodmer8999]

Thank you so much Mirian for sharing your Chinese traditions with us of the moon cake. I loved this video thank you so much for sharing this special occasion with us. Its lovely to see the love and respect you have for each other ❤️🧡💛🤎

[@jasminamercuri8713]

Wow! This is an amazing video, your sons are so handsome, your mother in law so sweet. Traditions are the best 👍

[@OnebookPress]

Quite common woman in rural area in China! She is also so lucky to have a good Daughter-in-law…🎉

[@soniachong5787]

Love love your MIL and Yong Hong's sister is so fair and pretty! The kids are so lucky to be with family all the time!

[@MiriamFollin]

I will show her this comment! She often does not want to be in the videos because she doesn't think she's pretty enough! Which she is, of course! ❤️

[@pookybear86]

Awe, I enjoyed this video. You're such a good daughter in law. I'm proud of u. Love the moon cakes

[@MiriamFollin]

Aw, thank you, I try to be!

[@hunkeetori]

Miriam, your voice that full of sincere and positive feeling about all things around you, what you see and appreciate, and the people with whom you interacted deeply touched me. Your two lovely kids, intelligent and inquisitive, are always happy. I just recently started watching your video intensively. It’s been such an enriching experience to me. Marrying to a decent person like Yonghong is so invaluable to the life of you and kids. Thanks for sharing.

[@gracechew4554]

Such a sweet mother in law you have ❤️

[@leilaeissa3348]

One of my good friends is from china and she is such a special persons in my life.

[@evaming5220]

A big THANK YOU to the whole family! For your time doing these videos and sharing them with us. I really appreciate you! So precious insights! Greetings to China from Slovenia♥️

[@ajs6750]

So nice to hear from you and your family again.

[@robinlolo9]

thanks miriam and your beautiful family

[@mikekok]

Next she'll find out how important it is to have a calendar hanging in the living room !! Mt missy can't live without one these days .

[@iavenustas8054]

Such an amazing video, thanks for making it. please share more traditional cooking videos, your family is awesome!

[@cshan5424]

Your video just like the sunshine, you don't see it but it warms your heart

[@marufah9660]

Your videos are something special and a glimpse into a lifestyle that the modern world has forgotten, yet it is the essence of who we are. Your mother in law is a treasure and so are you for sharing her with us.

[@joannschutz412]

A real labour of love making those mooncakes. Your narration was just beautiful.

[@gloriastone3211]

Such a beautiful video Miriam. You are a fabulous videographer and storyteller. I grew up in Canada celebrating my Ukrainian heritage with many different traditions during the year. The special foods, being together as family is so special in any culture. As you said we can celebrate any day. Why does it have to be a special day? I suppose that's what makes it so special and keeps it that way. Thank you for showing me the traditions of the Mid-Autumn festival. Much love to you, Yonghong, San San, Lian and the rest of the family!

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank you! And I'm so haooy to hear that your family kept the tradition even when moving abroad. It's not easy to do! If you still have relatives in the Ukraine, I hope they are alright❤️

[@gloriastone3211]

Thank you Miriam. I have distant relatives still in western Ukraine (it's a bit safer there for now) although I lost touch with them after my father died. I was born in Canada and unfortunately am not totally fluent in Ukrainian although I am learning now. 😀

[@TheLilacBloom]

Awww❤ I love this! This is soo special! Ur mom in law is the best! So much soul and beauty in what shes doing. I love the voice over, made me feel nostalgic too.

[@yolandagloriaprieto-faelna3999]

Heartwarming. Beautiful narrative. Great content…almost like a documentary. You are a good story teller. BRAVO!

[@riadrossos-usa4415]

You have the world’s best mother in law you are so fortunate!!

[@MiriamFollin]

I am!

[@paecpc]

Thanks Miriam for documenting this traditional Chinese custom which is slowly dying off, many people will appreciate your efforts after watching it many many years later.

[@uschieder3040]

Miriam, this video is pure Art. Thank you so very much.

[@MiriamFollin]

Oh, thank you so so much! ❤

[@ginny3282]

Oh Miriam thank you so much for this beautiful video and please say a big thank you to your wonderful mother in law this video was so beautiful and of course your amazing narration (in English) ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MiriamFollin]

I will tell her! ❤ Thank you!

[@Marilinaa]

Beautiful storytelling and masterful videography. I hope one day you will put all these bits into a documentary. The baking process made me think of saffron buns & cinnamon buns.

[@dh1329]

I wish i could like this video for every time i watch it. It brings me so much peace☺️

[@jillipepper5353]

Lovely traditions but wow the moon cake making takes a whole lot of time and kneading. Looked like they were worth it though. 🥰🙋🏼‍♀️

[@memary4887]

The Smile from your Mother in Law, is like a rising Sun!

[@endingalaporte]

What a wonderful family

[@MarySmith-gu5nb]

I love your mother in law's little cap!

[@hameyjane]

Your mother is so special- thank you for sharing her with us.

[@caroldoll]

Very interesting type of mooncake, I have only had the Cantonese version. It is fun to see kids line up at the door to receive the mooncakes too. Just like trick-or-treating. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@peppergeorge1217]

👍👍👍for sharing this beautiful old tradition festival.

[@susananderson4093]

Mom is so cute! You are so lucky! Cherish her and the time you are together!😘💕

[@月上西楼-i3j]

yong hong米粒非常喜欢你们的视频赞👍👍

[@月上西楼-i3j]

期待中文版视频哦😊

[@oolight]

Hi Miriam I saw some unhappy person left some incredibly rude comments, please remember there are always some unhappy souls out there who want to convince themselves that their lives are better than yours. Please ignore them. Thanks for the beautiful videos, lovely scenes and thought provoking too. ❤❤❤

[@mytubeful]

Beautiful sharing. Awesome💕

[@knoore]

such a beautiful video! we should have more such videos _ more people should watch them. knowing about each other is what matters

[@carinav2588]

I love your videos. You should get a Netflix adaptioo 100/10 points

[@进陈-f1q]

米粒的视频，在传播中国传统的饮食文化，米粒你好有正能，好棒哦！

[@anniegm2]

Thanks for sharing your video . She is a good cook , no wonder your husband also good in cooking Chinese food

[@Shilalabula]

你的视频太治愈了 每次看的时候都内心格外平静 甚至眼泪不停掉

[@Philosofia54]

the segment at the beginning looks like making sour dough! amazing. as a chinese from southeast china i never know there's also such tech in china.

[@ingercesar5041]

Fint att se era traditioner. Fina svärföräldrar du har 😄👍

[@Xffern]

I can feel your love for your mother-in-law from my computer screen with your adoring lens gazing so lovingly at her face 🥰🥰🥰😂😂😂 I love this film and it made me miss my granny too. She’s not with us anymore and the traditions and family festivities seems to have gone along with her… very sad but at least it made me realise the importance of family ties which I have so foolishly turn my back on in my younger rebellious days 😢. From your film which heals and nurtures, I wish nothing but all the best and blessings to you and your family.

[@suzanrudulph4141]

That was so lovely. Thank you for sharing. 🤗

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank you for watching!

[@margaretschwartzentruber3154]

Please tell your dear mother in law she is very beautiful. Her voice also.

[@cindyg7816]

Very professional! We never had this in rural Guangxi.

[@hhspore]

what an amazing story !! I am just dumbfounded that everyone in the village is a construction expert. It is so interesting to see the community coming together to help build houses; something that is totally foreign to us in Singapore. Like in Sweden, we will call the construction companies to help do the simplest reno e.g fixing a sink. Very awesome story and I look forward to seeing more of your reno videos. P>S San san and his brother are such adorable kids. So beautiful.

[@yeowchongong5608]

Hi Miriam, always enjoy watching your well made video. Very touching. Would like to ask, where can I buy the soap Yong Hong is selling? I want to buy as Xmas gifts for all my friends and relatives this year.

[@jinlong5675]

in 淘宝or今日头条

[@marieangielove9209]

This bread is art.

[@amymorgan3139]

Love these traditions very much. The lady’s story telling make me calm. Love it. Keep up with your good work. And happy festival to your family ❤

[@GB_i25]

i think the same in so many ways as you do miriam 🤝

[@MiriamFollin]

❤❤❤

[@lagringa7518]

You were so lucky, your mother in law seems to be so sweet natured, considering this 'foreigner' in their midst which none of them had even seen before! You could have gotten a dragon lady. 😱

[@gaoyan7856]

All the best to you and your beautiful family! 💐🤗👍🙏😍😍😍😍

[@Shungabali]

I can see your inlaws are very happy to have you and the kids back, their smiles say it all. Enjoy the hollidays you're blessed with a beautiful family and by the way the little one is a blonder version of San San 😄

[@longtailedbroadbill]

awwwww its so clear that you're glad to be back

[@annp4077]

Thank you for this beautiful video about tradition, family and love. I am a Chinese who lives overseas. I have never seen moo cake in this form . Find it interesting on hearing the explanation about the snake. Watching this video gives me much pleasure and a sense of warmth in the heart.. Thank you

[@yuzhenzheng9667]

婆媳之间关系很好👍👍👍

[@GoYvon]

What a beautiful story, Miriam! And not only beautiful, also informative. I had no idea that mooncakes could look like this. They look so tasty. How did your mil like them? Was the flavor good for her?

[@alvinnnliu]

Interesting tradition! Look how big and diverse China is! As a northerner myself (northeasterner, not northwesterner like Yonghong) I don't even know mooncakes can exist in such lovely form factor.

[@Mayangone]

Thanks!

[@MiriamFollin]

Thank YOU! ❤❤❤

[@oksanashchenkh2547]

It was very interesting to watch. The kids are getting older❤ They are so cute. Glad about your family reunion😊❤!

[@MiriamFollin]

I know, they grow so fast! Thank you!❤

[@hbl5507]

jeg elsker det, hvor er det bare cool at få lov til at komme helt tæt på din kinesiske familie og lære om jeres kultur. medierne skiltre ofte kina i et ikke så flatterende lys, men her er det folket i Kina vi får lov til at lære at kende og der er kun positive ting at sige. tak for oplevelsen 😘