![]() ![]() Chang’e becomes immortal and flies to the moon where she lives alone except for a jade rabbit, Tuye. In another version, she finds the elixir and consumes it by accident. ![]() In one version of the story, Chang’e consumes the elixir to prevent Houyi’s evil apprentice Feng Meng from getting hold of it. As a result, Houyi set out on a quest to find something to restore it called the Elixir of Immortality. The Jade Emperor wanted to punish Houyi for killing nine of his sons, so banished Houyi and Chang’e to live as mortals on Earth.Ĭhang’e was devastated to have lost her immortality. Houyi shot down nine of the Jade Emperor’s sons, leaving just one as the sun. The Jade Emperor summoned Houyi, the archer, to stop his sons and save the Earth. The story goes that one day, the Jade Emperor’s sons transformed into ten suns, scorching the Earth and killing all the plants and wildlife. Heaven was ruled by the Jade Emperor who had 10 sons. In this version, Chang’e lived in heaven with her archer husband, Houyi. There are several versions of the story of Chang’e. The legend of Chang’e dates back even further than the Yuan dynasty, with early versions of the story being having been found as early as the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046BC) But, who is Chang’e? Time to settle in for a story. Another popular belief is that Mooncakes are made and consumed as an offering to the Moon Goddess Chang’e. One story goes that secret letters were hid inside Mooncakes telling the Han Chinese to rebel against Mongol Rule on the day of Mid-Autumn festival. There are many different stories that explain the significance of Mooncakes to the Mid-Autumn festival. Enjoy! (Want to make your own at home? Check out this recipe from Omnivore’s Kitchen) Mooncakes should always be served with a strong cup of hot tea.Usually, the Chinese character on the top of the Mooncake explains what type of filling is inside.This can include: lotus seed paste, sweet bean paste, nuts and seeds, egg yolks and jujube paste They have different fillings depending on where in China you are.Mooncakes represent long life and happiness, to receive one is to be sent wishes for your success and good health.Mooncakes are round as the shape symbolises eternity.Traditionally, people usually give Moon cakes as gifts.Some couples wanting to have children bathe in the moonlight in the hope that the moon will bring them a “good harvest”.Some Chinese people believe that the Mid-Autumn Festival is the perfect time to find a partner, as the moon acts as matchmaker!.This festival has been celebrated for over 3,500 years – and in China, people take a holiday to spend it with their families.Mid-Autumn Festival is always celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, when the moon is farthest from the earth and appears bright and completely round. HOUYI ELIXIR OF IMMORTALITY FULLHou Yi became greatly saddened at what had occurred, and gave sacrifices of fruits and cakes to her memory, and thus the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival came to be, a celebration that still occurs on the full moon night of the eighth lunar month.News and Travel Editor Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! You may have also heard it referred to as the ‘Moon’ Festival, or maybe even the Lantern Festival. Chang'e escaped his wrath by consuming the elixir herself, becoming immortal and flying up towards the heavens, eventually landing on the moon. However, while Hou Yi was away, his apprentice Fengmeng, broke into the house and attempted to forcefuly steal the elixir. Whatever version of the story, he ends up with the elixir of immortality in his care, but does not consume it right away, wishing to share it with Chang'e. In other versions of the tale, he was mortal at first, and freely given the elixir of immortality as a reward for his efforts. Hou Yi instead shot down nine of them, leaivng only one in the sky, and therefore was punished by being made mortal and sent down to the earth, where he lived with his wife, Chang'e. The suns were, in some versions of the story, the children of the Jade Emperor, and so he sent the immortal archer Hou Yi to stop their mischief. The general tale goes that in the distant past, ten suns had risen up into the sky to scorch the earth and cause great calamity for the people. There are many tales and legends about her in Chinese mythology and folk religion, usually involving her husband Houyi, the elixir of life and the moon, and representing the origin of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. ![]() This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.Ĭhang'e or Chang-o, originally known as Heng'e, is the Chinese goddess of the moon. ![]()
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