Chang’e is a prominent figure in Chinese mythology and is best known as the goddess of the moon. Her story is one of the most important and popular tales in the Chinese canon, and it plays a central role in the annual Mid-Autumn Festival. According to legend, Chang’e was married to the legendary archer Hou Yi, who shot down all but one of the ten suns that were scorching the earth. As a reward, he was given an elixir of immortality, which Chang’e stole and consumed, causing her to ascend to the moon and become a goddess.
The name “Chang’e” is derived from the Chinese characters 嫦娥, which mean “longevity” and “beauty,” respectively. In some versions of her story, she is also referred to as Heng’e. Chang’e is renowned for her beauty and is often depicted as a graceful and elegant figure. She is also associated with the moon rabbit, a companion who is said to be constantly pounding the elixir of life in a mortar.
In addition to her role as the goddess of the moon, Chang’e is also associated with other attributes and symbols. She is often depicted holding a lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity and enlightenment. She is also associated with music and dance, and is said to have a fondness for sweets and pastries. Overall, Chang’e is a beloved figure in Chinese mythology, and her story continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.
Overview
Chang’e is a Chinese goddess of the moon, who is widely celebrated in Chinese mythology. She is known for her beauty and grace, and is often depicted as a graceful and elegant woman. Her name, Chang’e, means “the lady who flies to the moon” in Chinese.
Chang’e is often associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture. During this festival, people gather together to celebrate the harvest, and to admire the beauty of the full moon. Chang’e is also associated with the Jade Rabbit, which is said to live on the moon and prepare the elixir of life for Chang’e.
In Chinese mythology, Chang’e is best known for stealing an elixir of immortality from her husband, the legendary archer Hou Yi, and escaping to become the goddess of the moon. Her story is one of the most important and popular stories in the Chinese canon, and plays a central role in the annual Mid-Autumn Festival.
Etymology
Chang’e, also known as Heng’e, is a Chinese goddess of the moon. The name Chang’e is derived from the Chinese word “Cháng” which means “long” or “lasting,” and “é” which means “to fly.” This name is a reference to the goddess’s legendary flight to the moon.
The name Heng’e, on the other hand, means “perpetual happiness.” This name is also fitting for the goddess, as she is often associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time of joy and celebration.
In Chinese mythology, Chang’e is often depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in flowing robes, holding a rabbit in her arms. The rabbit is said to be her companion, and is believed to be the Jade Rabbit, a creature that lives on the moon and pounds herbs to make the elixir of life.
Overall, the name Chang’e is a fitting tribute to this important goddess of the moon, who is celebrated throughout China for her beauty, grace, and enduring spirit.
Attributes
Physical Appearance
Chang’e is often depicted as a beautiful and elegant woman, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. She is associated with the moon and is often shown with a crescent-shaped headdress. In some depictions, she is shown holding a jade rabbit, which is said to be her companion on the moon.
Powers and Abilities
Chang’e is known for her immortality, which she gained by stealing an elixir from her husband, Hou Yi. She is also said to have the power to control the tides and the seasons. Chang’e is often associated with fertility and is sometimes called upon to grant blessings of prosperity and abundance.
In addition to her powers, Chang’e is also known for her wisdom and intelligence. She is said to be a skilled musician and dancer, and is often associated with the arts. Her intelligence and resourcefulness are also evident in her ability to outsmart her husband and steal the elixir of immortality.
Overall, Chang’e is a complex and multifaceted figure in Chinese mythology, embodying both beauty and power, as well as wisdom and intelligence. Her many attributes have made her a beloved figure in Chinese culture, and she continues to be celebrated and honored to this day.
Family Tree
Immediate Family
Chang’e is known as the goddess of the Moon in Chinese mythology. She is the wife of the legendary archer Hou Yi, who is also known as Yi, the great archer. As per the mythology, Chang’e stole an elixir of immortality from her husband and escaped to become the goddess of the moon. The couple had no children, and their immediate family tree consisted only of the two of them.
Extended Relations
Chang’e’s extended family tree includes her father-in-law, Di Jun, who was the agricultural god and her husband’s father. Her father-in-law is known to have asked his son, Hou Yi, to shoot down nine suns that were burning the earth. Hou Yi successfully shot down nine suns, and his act made him famous throughout China.
Chang’e’s family tree also includes her husband’s rival, Feng Meng, who was jealous of Hou Yi’s fame and power. Feng Meng plotted against Hou Yi and tried to kill him. However, Hou Yi was saved by his loyal wife, Chang’e. Feng Meng was eventually killed by Hou Yi, and Chang’e became the goddess of the moon after she consumed the elixir of immortality.
In conclusion, Chang’e’s family tree is small and consists of her husband, Hou Yi, and her father-in-law, Di Jun. Her family tree also includes her husband’s rival, Feng Meng, who played a significant role in the mythology of Chang’e.
Mythology
The Moon Goddess Legend
Chang’e is best known for her role in the legend of the Moon Goddess. According to the legend, Chang’e was once a beautiful woman who lived on Earth with her husband, the archer Hou Yi. One day, Hou Yi shot down nine suns that were scorching the Earth, earning him the admiration of the people. However, his fame and power made him arrogant, and he began to mistreat his wife.
One day, Chang’e stole the elixir of immortality from her husband and consumed it, causing her to float up to the moon. There, she became the Moon Goddess, living in the Moon Palace with her pet rabbit. Hou Yi was heartbroken and missed his wife so much that he would offer her favorite foods and fruits as a sacrifice on the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Cultural Significance
The legend of Chang’e and the Moon Goddess has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries. The Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, is a celebration of Chang’e and her story. During the festival, families gather to admire the full moon and eat mooncakes, a traditional pastry that symbolizes the reunion of families.
The legend has also inspired many works of literature, art, and music. Poets and writers have written countless poems and stories about Chang’e and her story, while artists have depicted her in paintings and sculptures. Her image has even appeared on Chinese currency and postage stamps.
Modern Depictions
In modern times, Chang’e has become a popular figure in popular culture. She has appeared in movies, TV shows, and video games, often depicted as a powerful and beautiful goddess with magical powers. Her story has also been adapted into various forms of media, including novels, comics, and animation.
In recent years, Chang’e has become a symbol of China’s space program, which has named its lunar exploration missions after her. The Chang’e missions have successfully landed spacecraft on the moon and conducted scientific experiments, further cementing Chang’e’s place in Chinese culture and history.