One version is the Chang'e story I mentioned before. Another version involves the Jade Rabbit. It is said that the Jade Rabbit lives on the moon and is always pounding the elixir of immortality. And in some regions, there are stories about Wu Gang, who was punished to cut down a laurel tree on the moon that could never be cut down.
There are several versions. The Chang'e story is central. But also, there is a story about how the moon was formed. In some old tales, it was said that the moon was created by a powerful god. And the Jade Rabbit's story is quite interesting too. It was sent to the moon to help with certain tasks, like making the elixir. Also, there are stories about the relationship between the moon and the seasons on earth. These stories have been passed down for generations and are an important part of the Chinese Full Moon Festival's cultural heritage. They all reflect people's love for the moon and the hope for a good life.
One version is about Chang'e flying to the moon. Hou Yi's wife Chang'e took the elixir and became an immortal on the moon. So people celebrate the day to remember her. It's a very famous story in Chinese mythology.
There is a version where the mooncake festival story is related to the harvest. In ancient times, when autumn came, it was harvest time. People were so happy with the bountiful harvest that they made mooncakes with the newly harvested grains. They offered the mooncakes to the moon, believing it would bring more good luck for the next year. And as time passed, this tradition continued and became the mooncake festival we know today. The story also reflects the importance of the harvest in ancient agricultural society.
One version is that it began with religious activities. As I mentioned before, it was associated with Buddhism. Monks' practice of lighting lanterns influenced the court and then the general public.
The Chinese Moon Festival has a long and rich history. It's linked to myths and legends. One story is about Chang'e flying to the moon. Families come together to celebrate, eat mooncakes, and admire the full moon.
The Chinese Full Moon Festival, also known as the Mid - Autumn Festival. One of the main stories is about Chang'e. Chang'e was the wife of Hou Yi. Hou Yi got an elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West. But Peng Meng, a bad man, tried to steal it. To protect the elixir, Chang'e swallowed it and then flew to the moon and lived there alone. People look at the full moon on this festival, hoping to see Chang'e on the moon.
There are various versions. In some Western stories, the old man in the moon is a bit of a curmudgeon, looking down on the follies of mankind. In Native American lore, he might be a spirit that represents the balance between day and night. In yet other versions, he is a jolly old fellow who spreads moonlight magic across the land.
Yes, there are. One version is the race story as mentioned before. But there are also some stories related to the gods' preferences. For example, some say that certain gods liked specific animals and thus they were included in the zodiac.
Yes, there are. For example, one version ties it closely to the worship of snakes in ancient tribes. As snakes were often associated with mystery and power, they became the base for the dragon's form. Another version has it related to the need for a unifying symbol among different tribes, so they combined their totem animals to create the dragon.
In the full moon festival story, family reunion is a crucial element. The festival is a time for families to come together, just like how the full moon gathers light. The stories of immortals like Chang'e and the Jade Rabbit are also main elements. These stories add a sense of legend and wonder. Also, the offerings made to the moon such as fruits are elements that are part of the traditional story and practice.
The Full Moon Festival, also known as the Mid - Autumn Festival. It is often associated with the legend of Chang'e. Chang'e was the wife of Hou Yi. Hou Yi was a great archer who shot down nine of the ten suns. For his deeds, he was given an elixir of immortality. But Chang'e accidentally drank it all and flew to the moon. People celebrate this festival by admiring the full moon, eating mooncakes and sharing time with family, as if looking up at the moon is also looking at Chang'e on the moon.