Zhongqiu Jie

Although the moon is still a no-show due to poor weather, we enjoyed the mooncakes! My friend Binh said they're similar to fruitcake, given to someone and then the recipient says, "uh, thanks." But we liked them and will purchase them every year. Jia did spit out the duck egg yolk, but ate the rest of her wedge and asked for more.

The legend about the mooncakes is as follows: About 700 years ago, the Mongols controlled China. The Chinese wanted to rule their own country, so they plotted a revolt. Bakers hid the battle plans inside tiny mooncakes, knowing the Mongols wouldn't eat them. The mooncakes were then given to the people with instructions that they should eat them on the 15th day of the eight lunar month. On that day (today), the people cracked open their cakes, read the plans, and overthrew the Mongol government.

Part of a Chinese poem explains another important aspect of the day: "Loved ones are remembered this day, for we watch the same moon in the sky." I imagine Jia's birthparents are especially thinking of her today.