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Lahaina Restoration Foundation selling Chinese moon cakes

By Staff | Aug 25, 2011

Lahaina Restoration Foundation is selling moon cakes in three flavors: red bean, mung bean and taro.

LAHAINA — Get ready for the upcoming Chinese Moon Festival with moon cakes from Lahaina Restoration Foundation.

On Friday, Sept. 16, the foundation will celebrate the annual Chinese Moon (Harvest) Festival through traditional cultural displays, activities and presentations.

The public is invited to join in the free festivities at the Wo Hing Museum from 1 to 8 p.m.

A Moon Festival is not complete without traditional moon cakes. These favorite festival treats are now available for purchase through Lahaina Restoration Foundation.

Boxes of four cakes are $22, and single cakes are on sale for $6. This year, choose between three popular flavors: red bean, mung bean or taro.

According to popular belief, these intricate pastries — with their sweet filling and flaky crust — were more than just a delicious treat.

During the 14th century, China was in revolt against the Mongols. Chinese Han rebel leader Liu Fu Tong devised a secret plan to unite the Han people to rise up against the ruling Mongols to end the oppressive Yuan dynasty.

He sought permission from Mongolian leaders to give moon cakes to friends as a symbolic gesture to honor the longevity of the Mongolian emperor.

The Han people found that hidden within each moon cake were pieces of paper with the message: “Revolt on the 15th of the eighth moon.” Thus informed, the people rose together in a revolution on the designated day, successfully ending the Yuan dynasty.

Moon cakes are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

To place your order, call 661-3262 or visit the foundation office at 120 Dickenson St. in Lahaina.