The tale of Chang’e, the revered Moon Goddess, is a cherished narrative within Chinese myths and traditions. This captivating story has been transmitted across generations, enchanting audiences globally. The legend not only sheds light on the origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival but also conveys profound themes of love, loss, and celestial existence.
The Story Unfolds
Chang’e’s narrative is fundamentally linked to the Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. According to ancient Chinese lore, there once existed ten suns in the sky, mercilessly burning the Earth and instigating immense hardship. To rescue humanity from this plight, a valiant archer named Hou Yi emerged. With exceptional prowess, he brought down nine of the suns, leaving just one to illuminate the world.
A Special Gift for a Hero
As a token of gratitude for this monumental achievement, the Heavenly Queen Mother gifted Hou Yi with an elixir that granted immortality. Yet, deeply in love with his wife, Chang’e, Hou Yi hesitated to drink it, fearing that gaining immortality would mean a painful separation from her. Instead, he chose to give the elixir to Chang’e for safekeeping.
A Fateful Decision
Tragedy struck when a greedy apprentice of Hou Yi learned about the elixir. In a deceitful act, he attempted to take it while Hou Yi was away. Recognizing the threat to the elixir, Chang’e felt compelled to act. To safeguard it, she consumed the potion herself, transforming into an immortal and elevating to the moon.
The Journey to the Moon
After ingesting the elixir, Chang’e experienced an extraordinary lightness and began to ascend skyward, eventually arriving on the moon. There, she became the immortal Moon Goddess, forever separated from her beloved husband left on Earth. Upon discovering her sacrifice, Hou Yi’s heart shattered with grief. To comfort her in solitude, the Jade Rabbit was sent to keep Chang’e company, and is often pictured making the elixir of immortality alongside her.
The Pain of Separation
In his sorrow, Hou Yi gazed at the moon, which appeared to shimmer with an unparalleled beauty. In that moment, he felt a connection to Chang’e, realizing that her spirit resided on the moon, looking after him. To commemorate their bond, he started placing her favorite fruits, cakes, and distinct offerings in their courtyard, a gesture that laid the groundwork for the tradition of mooncake offerings during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Hou Yi’s enduring love and yearning for Chang’e became central to the celebrations associated with this festival.
