Originally, the traditional moon cake is filled with lotus seed paste with an egg yolk in the middle, representing the moon. Today, moon cakes may be filled with everything from red bean paste, dates, nuts, and fruit to Chinese sausages. These moon cakes are sometimes given with other Chinese treats and gifts as a thoughtful gesture from the sender to their loved ones, friends or associates.

Ever wonder the significance and the meaning behind the existence of this celebration and the sharing of moon cakes?

Nobody actually knows when the custom of eating moon cake to celebrate the Moon Festival began, but one relief traces its origin to its possible role in Chinese history in the 14th century. At the time, China was in revolt against the Mongols. Chu Yuen-chang, and his senior deputy, Liu Po-wen, discussed battle plan and develops a secret moon cake strategy to take a certain walled city held by the Mongol enemy. It is said that moon cakes - which the Mongols did not eat - were the perfect vehicle for hiding and passing along plans for the rebellion. Liu dressed up as a Taoist priest entered the besieged city bearing moon cake. Families were instructed not to eat the moon cakes until the day of the moon festival, which is when the rebellion took place. The Chinese threw off their oppressors in 1368 AD and the sharing of the moon cake, hence, becomes the emblem of unity at that time. As the years go by, moon cake of course, became even more popular.
 

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