Happy Mid-Autumn Festival Everyone
Before you eat the delicious mooncakes that this festival is known for, here’s a little history lesson. Back in 1368, China was ruled by the Mongols and the Yuan Dynasty. These leaders were corrupt and very harsh to the Chinese people. A group of Chinese rebels tried to organize a rebellion, but it was very difficult because group gatherings were banned, and word of mouth would eventually get back to the Mongols. So, before the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese rebels distributed mooncakes containing a hidden message to overthrow a corrupt government. From Wikipedia:
According to a widespread folk tale (not necessarily supported by historical records), the Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates an uprising in China against the Mongol rulers of the Yuan Dynasty (1280–1368) in the 14th century. As group gatherings were banned, it was impossible to make plans for a rebellion. Noting that the Mongols did not eat mooncakes, Liu Bowen (劉伯溫) of Zhejiang Province, advisor to the Chinese rebel leader Zhu Yuanzhang, came up with the idea of timing the rebellion to coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival. He sought permission to distribute thousands of moon cakes to the Chinese residents in the city to bless the longevity of the Mongol emperor. Inside each cake, however, was inserted a piece of paper with the message: “Kill the Mongols on the 15th day of the 8th month” (traditional Chinese: 八月十五殺韃子; simplified Chinese: 八月十五杀鞑子). On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), under Zhu. Henceforth, the Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated with moon cakes on a national level.
So happy Mid-Autumn Festival, everyone. When you’re eating those delicious mooncakes, know that what you’re experiencing the taste of successful rebellion. Also probably lotus seed paste.
