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As an excerpt from a greater whole on customs and food culture in china, this section describes the historical practices during the Moon festival. Whereas most other sources have focused on the history of this celebration since the fourteenth century, this author has provided a brief amount of information on pre-fourteenth century customs and rituals. Such rituals included mirrors and dew basins which were given as gifts prior to the introduction of moon cakes. Proceeding that though, the author spends a substantial amount of time explaining the creation, meaning, fillings, and changes in the moon cake over the years. As a parting note, the author comments that moon cakes are no longer the only foods exchanged as gifts, and that the addition of other items such as fruits and nuts serve to represent fullness and longevity.
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