The story goes that when Zhu Yuan Zhang was plotting to overthrow the Yuan dynasty started by the Mongolians, the rebels hid their messages in the Mid-Autumn mooncakes. Zhong Qiu Jie is hence also a commemoration of the overthrow of the Mongolians by the Han people. When Muhammad reached the age of 40, the angel Gabriel came to him with revelations that established his prophethood. This is the New Year for Muslims who use the Islamic calendar . Of particular significance is the eve of the New Year where families reunite to share a banquet.
Special foods are prepared and served in multiple courses.
Some foods have symbolic value for example fish balls, which signify reunion. The New Year festival is also referred to as the Spring Festival. Celebrations continue for 15 days and there are special activities for each day. The fifteenth day is marked with the Lantern Festival. According to Taoism, the Lord of Heaven visits the earth on this day to confer luck and happiness on those who are morally upright.