Folklore and Legends
The Full Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, stands as one of the most cherished and significant occasions in Chinese culture. At its core, it is a time of family gatherings, mooncakes, lanterns, and, most importantly, a celebration of the full moon, which has inspired countless tales and legends.
In this hub, we set the stage for your exploration, providing you with a panoramic view of the festival’s cultural importance. We introduce the captivating subtopics that you’ll journey through, from the legendary archer Hou Yi and the captivating tale of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, to the modern-day customs that keep the festival’s traditions alive.
The Legend of Hou Yi and the Ten Suns
The 10 Suns.
In ancient times, there were ten suns in the sky, and they blazed relentlessly, causing severe droughts and scorching the earth. Crops withered, rivers ran dry, and life on Earth was in jeopardy. People and animals suffered under the unrelenting heat. It was during this time that a skilled archer named Hou Yi emerged as a hero.
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Path to the Jade Palace
Hou Yi was a gifted archer known for his exceptional marksmanship. Witnessing the suffering of the people and the land, he resolved to save the world from the sweltering heat. Hou Yi climbed Kunlun Mountain, which was believed to be the center of the world, and reached the Jade Emperor’s palace in the heavens. The Jade Emperor was the ruler of the heavens and had the power to control the suns.
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Hou Yi pleaded with the Jade Emperor to reduce the number of suns in the sky to alleviate the suffering on Earth. The Jade Emperor, impressed by Hou Yi’s determination and goodwill, granted his request. He allowed Hou Yi to use his celestial bow and ten magic arrows to shoot down nine of the ten suns.
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A Â Balanced World.
Hou Yi, with extraordinary precision and skill, managed to shoot down nine of the suns, leaving only one to provide light and warmth to the world. His heroic act brought relief to the people and the land, as the climate became more temperate, and crops flourished once again.
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Hou Yi’s actions elevated him to the status of a hero and a symbol of selflessness and sacrifice. He became renowned for his archery skills and was widely admired. The story of Hou Yi and the ten suns is not only an ancient legend but also a testament to the value of preserving harmony and balance in the world.
The Legend of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess:
After The 9 Suns…
In this exploration of the legendary tale of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, we travel back in time to ancient China. This captivating narrative introduces us to a hero, Hou Yi, and his courageous act of shooting down nine of the ten suns, saving the land from scorching heat. Â
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The Quest for Immortality:
As time went by, Hou Yi changed. He became obsessed with immortality, believing that by attaining it, he could continue to serve the people. To achieve this, he embarked on a quest to find the Elixir of Immortality, which was said to be held by the Jade Emperor in the heavens.
This journey takes us back to the sacred Kunlun Mountain and an encounter with the Queen Mother of the West. Â She presented him with the Elixir of Immortality, but with a caveat: it could grant only one person immortality. Her offer of the Elixir of Immortality sets the stage for a moral dilemma that will change the course of the tale.Â
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Chang’e’s Fateful Choice:
The legend takes an unexpected turn as we witness Chang’e, while Hou Yi was away on a quest, became curious about the elixir and the immortality it promised.
One day, she came across the vial containing the elixir and, consumed by curiosity and the desire for immortality, she drank it. The elixir’s power was instantaneous, and Chang’e began to float. She ascended to the moon, taking up residence in the Palace of the Moon. As the Moon Goddess, she was condemned to live forever on the moon, separated from her beloved husband.
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Where The Legend Ends and Tradition Starts.
Upon his return, Hou Yi was devastated to learn what had transpired. He was filled with sorrow and regret, realizing that his quest for immortality had resulted in the loss of his wife. In his grief, he displayed offerings of her favorite foods and fruits on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the night of the fullest moon, as a way to remember and honor her.Â
Symbolism and Cultural Significance:
Chang’e’s story carries deep symbolism in Chinese culture. She is often seen as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and longing. The full moon, associated with Chang’e, is a reminder of reunion and completeness, especially for those who are separated from their loved ones. The tale of Chang’e and her connection to the moon adds a layer of meaning to the Full Moon Festival, as families and friends come together to admire the full moon and celebrate unity.
The legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, is a cherished narrative in Chinese mythology, and her story continues to be a source of inspiration, reflection, and cultural pride, adding a touch of magic to the Full Moon Festival and the appreciation of the full moon’s radiant beauty.
