Chang’e is a seminal figure in Chinese mythology, particularly famous for her association with the Moon Festival. Her story is a tale of love, pain, sacrifice, and immortality. This Chinese moon goddess and her loveliness is still celebrated in novels and poems.
The Story of Chang’e Begins…
Once upon a time, approximately ten suns appeared in the bright sky, scorching the earth. Elders say that it caused great suffering and misery for all. To put an end to this misery, the great archer, Hou Yi was summoned. The great archer used his power(bow and arrows) to shoot down nine of the suns, leaving just one to offer warmth and light to the whole world. As a reward for his heroic acts, the Queen Mother of the West gifted Hou Yi, a magical elixir of immortality. This elixir would allow him to become a god and ascend to the heavens.
Although this seemed to be a perfect gift for everyone, it was not for Hou Yi.
In spite of his great feat, he did not want to leave his beloved wife, Chang’e. Meanwhile, the elixir needed to be in a safe place. Therefore, Chang’e gave her the elixir for safekeeping.
One day, when the archer was away, his apprentice, Feng Meng, found the secret of the elixir. So, he made several attempts to steal it. To protect the elixir from falling into the wrong hands, Chang’e drank it herself.
Upon consuming from the cup of immortality, Chang’e became immortal and began to float towards the sky. Unable to bear separation from her husband, she chose to reside on the moon, where she could still be close to her dear husband. There, she now lives in a palace, accompanied by a jade rabbit who pounds the elixir of immortality.
When Hou Yi found out about what happened, he felt responsible for her wife, so he displayed the cakes and fruits that his wife had cherished and then chose to kill himself.
To honor Chang’e, the Chinese people still celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is also referred to as the Moon Festival. Peoeple get together on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. During this time, families come together to admire the full moon, eat, share, and gift mooncakes to honor this legendary story, and tell the tale of Chang’e and her eternal love for Hou Yi.
