The “Mid-Autumn Festival” (中秋节 zhōng qiū jié) is one of the most celebrated traditional festivals in China. It falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, a date associated with the full moon, symbolizing reunion, peace, and harmony. People across China and other parts of Asia gather with their families, admire the moon, and enjoy mooncakes. However, the rich folklore behind this festival adds much deeper meaning to the celebration. Here, we explore three of the most famous legends that have been passed down through generations: Chang’e Flying to the Moon, Wu Gang Cutting the Cassia Tree, and The Jade Hare Pestling Medicine.
The Origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival has been celebrated for thousands of years, with its origins in ancient moon worship practices. The earliest written reference to the festival dates back to the Zhou Dynasty in the work “Rites of Zhou,” which emphasizes the importance of honoring the moon during the harvest season. Over time, this tradition evolved into a joyous family celebration, with customs including worshipping the moon (祭月 jì yuè), admiring the moon (赏月 shǎng yuè), and enjoying mooncakes (吃月饼 chī yuè bǐng).
But the heart of the festival lies in its fascinating legends, which help explain why the moon is such a powerful symbol of reunion and reflection during this time.
赏月 ( shǎng yuè ): n. to admire the (full) moon
rén men zài zhōng qiū jié nà tiān dōu huì shǎng yuè 、chī yuè bǐng.
人 们 在 中 秋 节 那 天 都 会 赏 月 、 吃 月 饼。
People admire the full moon and eat mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
zhōng qiū jié zhè tiān，měi jiā dōu yào tuán jù zài yì qǐ shǎng yuè.
中 秋 节 这 天， 每 家 都 要 团 聚 在 一起 赏 月。
On the day of the Mid-Festival Festival, every family will get together to admire the full moon.
1. The Legend of Chang’e Flying to the Moon (嫦娥奔月 cháng é bēn yuè)
Perhaps the most famous Mid-Autumn Festival legend is that of Chang’e (嫦娥), the goddess of the moon. This story dates back to ancient China and involves her husband, Hou Yi (后裔 hòu yì), a skilled archer. According to the legend, Hou Yi shot down nine out of ten suns that scorched the Earth, leaving just one sun to ensure the world’s survival. As a reward, the Queen Mother of the West granted Hou Yi an elixir of immortality.
Hou Yi, who loved his wife dearly, did not consume the elixir immediately. Instead, he entrusted it to Chang’e for safekeeping. Unfortunately, Hou Yi’s apprentice, Peng Meng (蓬蒙 péng méng), discovered the elixir and attempted to steal it. In a desperate situation, Chang’e had no choice but to drink the elixir herself. As soon as she swallowed it, she floated up to the moon, where she remains to this day, living in the Guanghan Palace.
The legend tells us that Hou Yi, heartbroken by her departure, would offer sacrifices and admire the moon every year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, hoping to feel closer to his beloved wife. This is why the moon is admired during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and families gather in memory of Chang’e’s story of love and sacrifice.
2. Wu Gang Cutting the Cassia Tree (吴刚折桂 wú gāng zhé guì)
Another lesser-known yet significant legend is the tale of Wu Gang (吴刚), a mortal who was punished by the gods for his arrogance and mistakes. Wu Gang longed to become an immortal and attempted to study the ways of Taoist immortality, but his dedication was inconsistent. The gods, displeased with his behavior, condemned him to an eternal task on the moon.
In this legend, Wu Gang is forced to chop down an immense cassia tree (桂花树 guì huā shù) that stands before the Guanghan Palace. However, every time he swings his axe and makes a cut, the tree heals instantly, and his labor starts anew. This endless cycle of cutting symbolizes his eternal punishment, as he is fated to chop the tree for all time.
The story of Wu Gang is seen as a metaphor for perseverance and the idea that mistakes, once made, may haunt you indefinitely. It also adds a unique element to the festival, symbolizing the human desire for self-improvement and redemption, even in the face of impossible challenges.
3. The Jade Hare Pestling Medicine (玉兔捣药 yù tù dǎo yào)
The third legend centers around the Jade Hare (玉兔 yù tù), who lives on the moon and is often depicted alongside Chang’e. In this tale, the Jade Hare serves as an alchemist, using a jade mortar and pestle to grind and prepare medicine for the gods. It is said that the hare’s efforts are meant to create an elixir that grants immortality to those who consume it.
The image of the Jade Hare pounding herbs has become synonymous with the moon itself, and in Chinese folklore, one can often see the outline of a hare in the moon’s surface. Some versions of the story suggest that the Jade Hare is creating medicine that can heal all ailments or provide immortality to humans.
This tale is a significant reminder of the moon’s mystical and medicinal symbolism in Chinese culture, making the Jade Hare an important part of the Mid-Autumn Festival’s mythos.
Cultural Customs and Traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival
While these legends are fascinating, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also filled with traditions and customs that bring the stories to life. Some of the most popular activities during the festival include:
Admiring the Moon (赏月 shǎng yuè)
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, families and friends gather outdoors to admire the full moon. In Chinese culture, the moon symbolizes reunion (团圆 tuán yuán), which is why it is common for loved ones to spend time together during this festival.
Eating Mooncakes (吃月饼 chī yuè bǐng)
Mooncakes are an essential part of the Mid-Autumn Festival. These round pastries, often filled with sweet bean paste, lotus seed paste, or salted egg yolks, are symbolic of the moon and are shared among family members. Each bite of mooncake represents a piece of unity and connection, much like the full moon that shines brightly during the festival.
Setting Up Lanterns (玩花灯 wán huā dēng)
In some regions, people light and release lanterns as part of the celebration. Lanterns are often crafted in intricate designs and can symbolize hopes and dreams for the future. The tradition of lanterns is believed to guide lost spirits or bring good fortune.
Answering Riddles (猜谜 cāi mí)
Another beloved custom is the practice of solving riddles, often written on the lanterns themselves. These riddles challenge participants to think creatively, and they are considered a fun and intellectual way to engage with the festival.
Join the fun and test your knowledge in our lantern riddle! Leave your answers and explanations in the comments section below.
Chūn hé qiū dōu bú rè （dǎ yī zì 打一字）
春和秋都不热（打一字）
Neither spring nor autumn are hot (guess one Chinese character)
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