The Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished time for family reunions and moonlit celebrations, is steeped in myth and legend. These stories, passed down through generations, give the festival its deep sense of wonder and magic. Here are three of the most famous Mid-Autumn Festival myths that tell of love, sacrifice, and eternal tasks under the full moon.
1. Chang’e Flying to the Moon
Long ago, there were ten suns in the sky, scorching the earth and drying up the oceans. A hero named Hou Yi, known for his strength and skill with a divine bow, shot down nine of the suns, leaving just one to light the world. The last sun, terrified, promised to behave, and Hou Yi saved the world from disaster. Hou Yi’s wife, Chang’e, was deeply loved by him, and they lived happily together.
In admiration of Hou Yi’s heroism, the Queen Mother of the West gifted him an elixir of immortality, which would allow him to ascend to heaven and live forever. However, Hou Yi was reluctant to leave his beloved wife and entrusted the elixir to Chang’e for safekeeping. One fateful day, when Hou Yi was away hunting, his greedy apprentice, Feng Meng, broke into their home and demanded the elixir. To protect it, Chang’e swallowed the elixir herself, instantly rising up into the sky, light as a feather.
Heartbroken, Chang’e flew to the moon, the closest place to Earth, where she could still watch over her husband. Hou Yi, devastated by her sudden departure, chased after her but could never reach the moon. Every year on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, Hou Yi and the villagers would gaze at the moon, which shone especially bright and full, as if Chang’e were watching from above. This night became the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time to remember Chang’e and celebrate reunion.
2. The Jade Rabbit and the Moon
Another beloved Mid-Autumn myth tells of the Jade Rabbit, who became Chang’e’s companion in the moon palace. Legend says that a long time ago, a pair of rabbits had four daughters, all as white and clever as snow. One day, the Jade Emperor summoned the father rabbit to the heavens, where he saw the goddess Chang’e being led to her exile on the moon.
Moved by her loneliness and the injustice she had suffered, the rabbit wished to send one of his daughters to keep her company. Though saddened, the youngest daughter volunteered, understanding the importance of bringing comfort to Chang’e in her eternal solitude. Since then, the Jade Rabbit has lived on the moon with Chang’e, tirelessly preparing medicinal herbs, a symbol of loyalty, friendship, and selflessness.
3. Wu Gang Chopping the Laurel Tree
The final myth is that of Wu Gang, a man who endures eternal punishment in the moon palace. Wu Gang once aspired to become immortal and sought the teachings of a wise Taoist master. However, his arrogance and laziness led him to abandon his studies and disrespect his master, who eventually decided to teach him a hard lesson.
The master sent Wu Gang to the moon, where he was tasked with chopping down a massive laurel tree. But there was a catch—the tree magically healed itself with every strike. No matter how hard Wu Gang chopped, the tree would regenerate, leaving him with an endless, futile task. His story is a reminder of the consequences of impatience and arrogance, as he is bound to the moon, laboring forever under its silvery light.
The Myths and the Festival
These myths add layers of meaning to the Mid-Autumn Festival, intertwining love, sacrifice, and perseverance with the beauty of the full moon. As families gather to share mooncakes, gaze at the moon, and light lanterns, they also honor these timeless stories that connect past and present.
At SinoCultural, we celebrate Chinese heritage by offering a collection of artisanal goods, inspired by traditional myths and legends. Each item reflects the craftsmanship and cultural values that have been passed down for generations, allowing you to keep the spirit of these timeless stories alive in your everyday life. Let our products be a reminder of the beauty and meaning behind this cherished festival.
