Origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival

[bhchao]

The origins of the Mid-Autumn Mooncake Festival is unclear. There is a story that the Mid-Autumn Mooncake Festival originated when the Chinese revolted against their Mongol occupiers during the Yuan dynasty.

The Mongols knew that the Chinese hated them, so Mongol soldiers were installed at each household to keep watch. The Chinese had to think of a plan to coordinate their efforts against the Mongols without them knowing of the plan. Since the Mongols did not eat mooncakes, Chinese housewives inserted pieces of paper into mooncakes saying "Revolt on the 15th day of the 8th month". Gradually mooncakes spread all over the country, and on the 15th day of the 8th month, the Chinese rose in revolt and eventually overthrew the Yuan dynasty.

It is unclear whether this story is true. Believe it or not is up to you.

[skylee]

It is a good story, though.

[woodcutter]

Chinese history is very, erm, colourful isn't it? Good fun.

All the same, this story, like many others, is patently untrue. The large amount of legend which is claimed as "history" in China is not helpful for anybody who wishes to actually learn something when they pick up a history book.

[bhchao]

Of course this story isn't true. It's not in the history books either. Zhu Yuanzhang did not rise to power by spreading mooncakes.

Just for fun

[puxinyang]

i think it's probably true, coz i read this story not only once..