Mooncakes are round in shape to symbolize the moon. According to legend, when the Mongol Yuan Dynasty ruled China in the 14th century, Chinese rebels were able to overthrow the Mongols in part because they hid secret messages inside mooncakes, which the Mongols did not eat.
They are made of ground lotus, egg yolk, bean or seed paste, and other ingredients. Different types of bean paste, from mung bean paste to red bean paste, can be used; in any case, the preparation of the bean paste is very time-consuming, requiring two to four weeks, so families usually buy them at professional bakeries instead of making the mooncakes themselves. Mooncakes are expensive and considered a delicacy, and modern mooncakes come in many flavors and sizes. There are even fat-free forms for the health-conscious.
In the West, mooncakes can be purchased in Chinatowns. Mooncakes are very dense, especially in comparison to Western cakes. Westerners are often surprised at how heavy the cake weighs relative to its size.
See also: Cuisine of China