During the autumnal equinox, Chinese royalty offer sacrifices to the Moon Goddess but an actual festival didn't exist at that time.
Taking their cue from the royal class, merchants and commoners hold nightly celebrations in honor of the moon with dancing, wine-drinking and merriment.
By this time, the Moon Festival had become a popular folk festival that always took place during the 15th day of the eighth lunar month as designated in the lunar calendar.
During the Yuan Dynasty, which was ruled by the Mongols, the tradition of eating moon cakes starts out with the delicacies stuffed with messages relayed among those fighting against the Mongols.
The Mid-Autumn Festival becomes a firm part of Chinese culture, making it second only to the festivities surrounding Chinese New Year.
