The origin and meaning of eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival:

**Origin:**
The practice of eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival has its roots in ancient China. The festival is traditionally celebrated to mark the harvest and to pay homage to the moon. The earliest records of mooncakes date back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), although the concept of mooncake-like desserts predates this.
One of the most popular legends associated with mooncakes is the story of the Mongolian invasion of China. According to the tale, during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), the Chinese were encouraged to eat mooncakes with hidden messages inside them to communicate their plans to overthrow the Mongolian rulers. Once the invaders were defeated, the custom of eating mooncakes on the Mid-Autumn Festival became a symbol of unity and resistance against oppression.
**Meaning:**
Eating mooncakes on the Mid-Autumn Festival carries several meanings and symbols:
1. **Harvest and Bounty:** The mooncake symbolizes the full moon and is associated with the autumn harvest, a time when crops are abundant.
2. **Fertility and Family Unity:** The round shape of the mooncake represents completeness and unity, symbolizing the harmony and togetherness of family members during the festival.
3. **Loyalty and Courage:** In the legend of the resistance against the Mongolians, mooncakes represent loyalty, courage, and the spirit of unity among the people.
4. **Celebration and Reunion:** The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for celebration, and mooncakes are a central part of the festivities. Sharing mooncakes with family and friends is a way to celebrate the occasion and reunite with loved ones.
5. **Folklore and Tradition:** Mooncakes are a way to pass down traditional stories and customs, keeping the cultural heritage alive.
In summary, eating mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time-honored tradition that encompasses the spirit of harvest, family, and cultural identity.
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