The Mid-Autumn Festival: Myths and Legends of Chang’e, the Jade Rabbit, and Wu Gang
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most cherished traditions in Chinese culture. Celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, this festival is a time for families to come together, enjoy delicious mooncakes, and gaze at the radiant full moon. But beyond the festive foods and gatherings, the Mid-Autumn Festival is steeped in enchanting myths and legends that captivate the hearts of young and old alike.
In this blog post, I will delve into the magical tales associated with the Moon Festival, including the story of the brave archer Hou Yi and his beloved wife Chang’e, the selfless Jade Rabbit, and the determined woodcutter Wu Gang. These timeless stories not only add a whimsical touch to the festival but also teach valuable lessons about love, selflessness, and perseverance.
For those interested in the rich traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival, check out my guide on Mid-Autumn traditions. If you’re curious about the delectable mooncakes that grace the tables of Chinese families all around the world, don’t miss my collection of favorite mooncake recipes. And for families looking to share these legends with their little ones, explore my recommendations for children’s books on the Mid-Autumn Festival. Finally, for an educational twist, discover fun and engaging STEAM activities related to the moon to do at home or in the classroom.
The Legend of Chang’e
Once upon a time, in ancient China, there lived a brave archer named Hou Yi and his beautiful wife, Chang’e. Hou Yi was a hero, famous for his incredible skills with a bow and arrow. One day, ten scorching suns appeared in the sky, causing the land to dry up and people to suffer. The mighty Hou Yi decided to save the world. With his trusty bow, he shot down nine of the suns, leaving just one to light and warm the earth. The people cheered and celebrated their savior, Hou Yi.
As a reward for his bravery, the Queen Mother of the West gave Hou Yi a magical elixir of immortality. This potion had the power to make anyone who drank it live forever and ascend to the heavens. But Hou Yi loved his wife Chang’e so much that he couldn’t bear the thought of living without her. So, he brought the elixir home and entrusted it to Chang’e for safekeeping.
One fateful day, while Hou Yi was out hunting, a wicked man named Feng Meng tried to steal the elixir from Chang’e. Fearing the potion would fall into the wrong hands, Chang’e quickly drank it herself. Instantly, she felt lighter and lighter, until she began to float away. Up and up she soared, higher and higher, until she reached the Moon.
Hou Yi returned home and discovered what had happened. Overcome with grief, he looked up at the night sky and called out Chang’e’s name. To his amazement, he saw her figure appear on the Moon, looking down at him with love. Hou Yi laid out her favorite foods and offered them to her as a sign of his longing and devotion.
Touched by the story of their eternal love, people began to make their own offerings to the Moon, hoping to feel the connection between Hou Yi and Chang’e. Thus, the tradition of celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with mooncakes and family gatherings was born, honoring the memory of the love that spanned the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
The Jade Rabbit
In another part of the Moon, there lives a magical Jade Rabbit. According to the legend, three immortals transformed themselves into poor old men and asked a fox, a monkey, and a rabbit for food. The fox and the monkey gave them something to eat, but the rabbit, having nothing to offer, said, “I have no food to give you, but you can eat me!” With that, the brave rabbit jumped into the fire to serve himself as a meal.
The immortals were deeply touched by the rabbit’s selflessness. They saved him from the flames and, in gratitude, brought him to live on the Moon. There, the rabbit was transformed into the Jade Rabbit, a magical creature with shimmering fur and gentle eyes. He was given a special task: to pound herbs and mix potions to create the elixir of immortality.
Every night, the Jade Rabbit works tirelessly in his moonlit palace, using a mortar and pestle to prepare the magical elixir. He keeps Chang’e company, and together they watch over the Earth, glowing softly from their celestial home.
On clear nights, if you look closely at the full moon, you can see the shadow of the Jade Rabbit, working away with his mortar and pestle. His story is a reminder of the virtues of selflessness and dedication, celebrated by families who gather during the Mid-Autumn Festival to honor these timeless values.
Wu Gang and the Laurel Tree
There’s yet another tale that adds to the magic of the Mid-Autumn Festival. That of the woodcutter Wu Gang and the Laurel Tree.
Wu Gang was a dreamer with a heart full of ambition. He yearned to become immortal and live among the gods. However, Wu Gang had one flaw: he was terribly impatient. He would start learning a new skill but give up as soon as it became difficult.
One day, the Jade Emperor, ruler of the heavens, decided to teach Wu Gang a lesson. He summoned Wu Gang to the Moon and pointed to a gigantic laurel tree that sparkled under the moonlight. “If you wish to become immortal, you must chop down this magical tree,” the Jade Emperor declared.
Wu Gang eagerly grabbed his axe and began to chop. But there was a catch—the laurel tree had magical properties. Each time Wu Gang struck it, the tree would heal instantly, its bark growing back as if it had never been touched. Wu Gang swung his axe day and night, but no matter how hard he tried, the tree remained whole.
Despite the endless task, Wu Gang refused to give up. He continued to chop the tree, hoping that one day he would succeed. To this day, Wu Gang remains on the Moon, tirelessly chopping the never-ending tree. On clear nights, you can see his silhouette among the shadows on the Moon, his axe gleaming as it strikes the resilient laurel.
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