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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Happy Moon Festival All!!!

It is that time of the year again in Taiwan - Moon Festival!!! Both a Fave time and a Frustrating time....

Favorite because it is the time of the year where for a week before till a week after, Moon Cakes are abound..... not just in shops but definitely my home.... everyone knows how much I love to eat them - all flavors, that everyday I get some.... which brings us to why it is a frustrating time, as well.... as I cannot refuse (it would be impolite! :) ) So am compelled to eat them, as I also cannot resist which mean I have to run longer miles , swim even more laps, and double the sit ups.... OR ELSE!!!! (These moon cakes possibly have the most calories any desserts can ever have.... LOL..).



Happy Moon Festival to all those celebrating!!!
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The Moon Festival is one of the most significant festivals / holidays of the Chinese communities around the world besides the Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) and the Dragon Boat Festival. Originally named the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month in observance of the bountiful autumn harvest.

Significance of the Moon Cake during the Moon Festival

On the 15th day of the lunar month, the moon forms a round shape that symbolizes family reunion. Upon this occasion, the legends of the festival are often told to the children. The custom of eating moon cakes tells a story of the downfall of the Yuan dynasty. The time was the Yuan dynasty (AD 1280-1368), established by the invading Mongolians from the north who subjugated the Han Chinese.

Leaders from the preceding Sung dynasty were furious about submitting to foreign rules, a secret rebellion plan was coordinated to overthrow the Mongolians. Drawing close to the Moon Festival, the rebellion plans and outlines of attacks successfully passed out to all coordinators secretly via the messages and outlines stuffed in each moon cake. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the Yuan government which followed the rise of the Ming dynasty.

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