Lunar Legends

Another interesting fact about the Mid-Autumn Festival is its lunar legends. As mentioned above, this festival is entailed with ancient legends and stories that are passed down through various generations.

Basically, the stories originated in China is the story of Chang'e and Houyi. Houyi was a skilled archer who saved the world by shooting down nine of the ten suns that were scorching the earth. As a reward, he was given the elixir of immortality. However, Chang'e, his wife, consumed the elixir and ascended to the moon, becoming the Moon Goddess. Thus, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, people admire the moon, hoping for blessings from Chang'e.

This story has evolved and changed through different civilizations and countries. Another legend about this festival is the Jade Rabbit which usually pounds away on the moon. Other legends such as Wu Gang and the Cherry Tree or The Moon Hare are also adapted by different nations such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam, etc.