Introduction
Chang’e is the most poetic celestial being in Chinese mythology, embodying the moon through her moonflight legend. Symbolizing purity, longing, and eternity, she is often portrayed as a graceful lady holding a Jade Rabbit in Guanghan Palace (广寒宫). As both a Taoist moon deity and the cultural soul of Mid-Autumn Festival, her image permeates Chinese art and folklore.
Origin
Chang’e’s prototype dates back to “Heng E” (姮娥) in the pre-Qin Gui Cang (归藏), solidified in the Han Dynasty Huainanzi (淮南子) as the tale of stealing the immortality elixir. Originally the wife of Houyi (后羿), she fled to the moon to escape the villain Feng Meng (逢蒙), later transformed into a medicine-pounding rabbit according to Tang Dynasty Youyang Zazu (酉阳杂俎).
Relationships
- Houyi (后羿): Her husband, the archer who shot down nine suns, whose elixir triggered her ascension
- Wu Gang (吴刚): The immortal punished to chop a self-healing laurel tree, mirroring her solitude
- Jade Rabbit (玉兔): Her companion, grinding immortality medicine in the moon palace
- Queen Mother of the West (西王母): The deity who gave Houyi the elixir, driving the plot’s development
Literary Sources
- Huainanzi (Western Han): First complete account of the moonflight story
- In Search of the Supernatural (Eastern Jin): Adds the toad transformation legend
- Chang’e (Li Shangyin·Tang): Evokes her loneliness with “night after night, blue sea and sky”
- Journey to the West (Ming): Features Zhu Bajie’s flirtation leading to his mortal punishment
- Moon Palace Chang’e (Yuan Zaju): First depiction of her interaction with Wu Gang
Key Myths
- Flight to the Moon: Swallowed the elixir to protect it, ascending to the celestial realm
- Toad Transformation: Early texts describe her turning into a toad, later restored to human form
- Wu Gang’s Laurel: The ever-healing tree symbolizes eternal futility
- Jade Rabbit’s Pharmacy: The rabbit’s medicine-making becomes a Mid-Autumn motif
Folk Festivals & Customs
- Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of 8th lunar month)
- Moon-watching: Symbolizes family reunion and longing for absent loved ones
- Mooncakes: Stem from a Yuan Dynasty rebellion legend, now a festival staple
- Lantern lighting: Mimics moonlight with lanterns, representing brightness and harmony
- Moon Offering Rituals: Offer round foods like watermelons and apples for blessings
Spiritual Significance
Chang’e’s tale reflects the philosophy of sacrifice and redemption: her selfless act for humanity results in celestial exile. The contrast between her lunar solitude and earthly reunions embodies the Chinese appreciation for “bittersweet beauty”.
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