TRIVIA QUESTION: What clever method did Chinese housewives devise to help throw Mongol
conquerors out of China in the 14th century?
TRIVIA ANSWER: In the 14th century China was overrun by Mongol invaders. The
Chinese were determined to overthrow their Mongol conquerors, but they needed to find a
way to communicate plans for the insurrection without their overlords finding out.
According to legend, Chinese housewives had the idea of sending messages in mooncakes, a
food traditionally served during the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival (it falls on September 23rd
in 1999). What is known for certain is that the Mongols were driven out in 1368 AD.
More about
Mooncakes, including recipes
