Wars, dynasties and governments come and go, but China's ancient agrarian moon festival goes on forever. Along the paddy walls of the countryside and through teeming lanes of towns, rich & poor alike gathered last week for family reunions and celebrations.
The most memorable of moon festivals occurred in the bitter years when Tartar invaders ruled the land. Revolt brewed against them in 1368. To break it, the alien despots posted guards in the foremost Chinese households. When the feast-day came, families gathered and all went as usual—until mooncakes were served. When the feasters broke into the pastries, they found...
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