The legends of the Mid-Autumn Festival are rich and varied, among which the most well-known are the stories of “Chang’e Flying to the Moon” and “Wu Gang Cutting the Osmanthus Tree”. The following is a detailed explanation of these two legends, as well as a brief introduction to other related legends of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Chang’e Flying to the Moon
“Chang’e Flying to the Moon” is one of the most famous Mid-Autumn Festival legends in ancient China. Its story has a long history and many versions, but the core plot is roughly the same.
Story Background
It is said that in ancient times, the hero Houyi shot down nine suns and saved the world from the suffering of the scorching sun, so he was rewarded by the Emperor of Heaven with the elixir of immortality. However, Houyi was reluctant to leave his wife Chang’e, so he gave the elixir of immortality to Chang’e for safekeeping.
Main plot
Safekeeping of the elixir: Chang’e hid the elixir of immortality at home, but this was known to Houyi’s apprentice Feng Meng. Feng Meng had evil intentions and wanted to seize the elixir for immortality.
Feng Meng forced the elixir: One day, Houyi went out hunting, and Feng Meng took the opportunity to break into Houyi’s house and forced Chang’e to hand over the elixir. Chang’e knew that she was no match for Feng Meng. In order to protect the elixir from falling into the hands of evil people, she resolutely swallowed the whole elixir.
Ascending to the Moon Palace: After swallowing the elixir, Chang’e’s body gradually became lighter, and she involuntarily floated off the ground and finally flew to the distant Moon Palace. Because of her deep longing for Hou Yi, Chang’e finally chose to land on the moon closest to the human world to live.
Hou Yi’s memorial: Hou Yi was heartbroken when he learned about this after returning home. He looked up at the bright moon in the night sky and found a vague figure in the moon that looked like Chang’e. So, every year on August 15, he would set up an incense table in the back garden to offer sacrifices to Chang’e in the Moon Palace.
Cultural influence
The story of “Chang’e flying to the moon” not only reflects the ancient people’s yearning and pursuit for a better life, but also expresses people’s praise and praise for loyal love. In addition, this story has also become one of the important sources of customs such as watching the moon and eating moon cakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
- Wu Gang Cuts Down the Osmanthus Tree
“Wu Gang Cuts Down the Osmanthus Tree” is another legend closely related to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Story Background
It is said that in the Moon Palace, in addition to Chang’e, there is also an immortal named Wu Gang. Because he violated the rules of heaven, he was punished by the Emperor of Heaven to go to the Moon Palace to cut down a osmanthus tree that could never be cut down.
Main plot
Violating the rules of heaven: Wu Gang was originally an immortal in the heavenly palace, but he violated the rules of heaven for some reason (the specific reason varies from version to version), and was punished by the Emperor of Heaven to work in the Moon Palace.
Cutting down the osmanthus tree: In the Moon Palace, Wu Gang was arranged to cut down a tall osmanthus tree. However, this osmanthus tree has magical powers. Whenever Wu Gang is about to cut it down, the tree will heal automatically. Therefore, Wu Gang can only repeat this endless labor day after day and year after year.
Lonely Watch: In the Moon Palace, in addition to cutting down osmanthus trees, Wu Gang has to endure endless loneliness and solitude. He often looked up at the stars, thinking of his relatives and friends on earth.
Cultural influence
The story of “Wu Gang cutting the osmanthus tree” not only reflects the ancient people’s praise and admiration for diligence and tenacity, but also reflects people’s deep thinking about the passage of time and the impermanence of life. In addition, this story is closely linked to the custom of moon-watching during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and has become an important part of the Mid-Autumn Festival culture.
- Other Mid-Autumn Festival legends
In addition to “Chang’e flying to the moon” and “Wu Gang cutting the osmanthus tree”, there are many other interesting legends about the Mid-Autumn Festival. - Legend of the origin of Mid-Autumn Festival
Autumn Festival: The Mid-Autumn Festival originated from the worship of celestial phenomena and evolved from the autumn festival in ancient times. The original “Moon Festival” was held on the day of “Autumn Equinox” in the 24 solar terms of the Ganzhi calendar, and was later adjusted to August 15 of the Xia calendar (Lunar calendar). According to the “Book of Rites”, August 15 of each year is an important festival of the year, also known as the “Mid-Autumn Festival”. On this day, people will pray to the moon god and perform sacrificial ceremonies. - Local legends
Chaoshan Tower Burning: At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, in order to keep pace with the rebels in the surrounding areas, the Chaoshan people, according to a secret agreement in advance, built a tower with tiles and burned a fire in an open area on August 15 as a signal for the uprising. Later, this custom was preserved and developed into the custom of burning towers during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Hong Kong Fire Dragon Dance: According to legend, a long time ago, after the typhoon in Tai Hang District, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, a giant python appeared and did evil. After the villagers subdued the python, a plague broke out. The elders in the village were told by the Bodhisattva in their dreams that dancing with a fire dragon could drive away the plague. Since then, the custom of dancing with a fire dragon has been passed down every Mid-Autumn Festival.
Jade Rabbit Pounding Medicine: According to legend, when Chang’e was lonely in the Moon Palace, she turned into a jade rabbit and accompanied the toad in the Moon Palace. The jade rabbit was also responsible for pounding the elixir of immortality in the Moon Palace for Chang’e to take. This legend also adds more mystery and romance to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
IV. Summary
As one of the four major traditional festivals in China, the Mid-Autumn Festival contains rich cultural connotations and profound historical heritage. Whether it is the loyal love of “Chang’e flying to the moon” or the hard work and perseverance of “Wu Gang cutting the cassia tree”, they all reflect the traditional virtues and values of the Chinese nation. At the same time, these legends also add more fun and mystery to the Mid-Autumn Festival, allowing people to feel more cultural charm and emotional resonance when celebrating this festival.
