Moon Cakes and Mongols

Moon Cakes and Mongols, a Chinese historical legend retold by Nancy Chong Whitman is related to the overthrow of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) which was founded by Kublai Khan. Zhu Yuanzhang, a leader of the peasants' uprising against the Mongols, later became the founder and first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Moon cakes today, as years ago continue to represent the Chinese Mid- Autumn Festival. They continue to be exchanged and eaten among family and friends at their gatherings and reunions. Gazing at the moon and sipping hot tea generally accompany the eating of the moon cakes.