Changxi is a Chinese lunar goddess who is revered in traditional Chinese mythology. She is known to be the second wife of Di Jun, and the mother of twelve moons, including the Earth’s Moon. Her name, Changxi, can be interpreted to mean “everlasting happiness,” which is fitting for a goddess who is associated with the moon, a celestial body that has been revered for its beauty and serenity for centuries.
In Chinese mythology, Changxi’s attributes include her association with the moon, which is seen as a symbol of femininity and beauty. She is also associated with the concept of time, as her twelve children represent the twelve months of the year. Changxi is often depicted as a beautiful and graceful woman, with a serene expression on her face, and a gentle demeanor that is said to bring peace and tranquility to those who worship her. Her family tree is also an important aspect of her mythology, as it helps to explain her role in the Chinese pantheon, and her place in the larger scheme of things.
Overview
Changxi is a lunar goddess in Chinese mythology who is worshipped in the traditional Chinese pantheon. Her earliest historical information can be traced back to the Classic of Mountains and Seas. She is the wife of Di Jun and the mother of twelve moons.
Changxi is believed to be an evolution or variation of the ancient lunar goddess archetype, with both goddesses embodying the lunar realm’s mythical aspects. Her myth can be taken literally or interpreted to mean that she gave birth to the twelve calendar months of the year.
Changxi is often associated with the moon and is believed to be protected by it after she stole and swallowed an immortality herb from her husband Yi, the Excellent Archer. Her name is derived from the Chinese characters “chang” and “xi,” which mean “always” and “happiness,” respectively.
Etymology
Changxi (常羲) is a lunar goddess in Chinese mythology. Her name is composed of two characters, with Chang (常) meaning “always” and Xi (羲) meaning “elegant.” Together, her name can be interpreted as “everlasting elegance.”
The character “Xi” also has a connection to the sun, as it is often used in reference to the sun’s rays. This may suggest that Changxi was originally associated with the sun before becoming a lunar goddess.
Changxi is sometimes referred to as the “Lunar Toad” due to her association with a toad-shaped moon. This toad is said to protect her after she steals and swallows an immortality herb from her husband, the archer hero Yi.
Overall, the etymology of Changxi’s name and her association with the moon and sun provide insight into her characteristics and mythology.
Attributes
Physical Description
Changxi is commonly depicted as a beautiful woman with pale skin and long black hair. She is often shown wearing a long flowing gown and holding a rabbit in her arms. In some depictions, Changxi is shown with a toad on her head, which is said to symbolize the moon.
Powers and Abilities
As the goddess of the moon, Changxi is believed to have the power to control the tides and the seasons. She is also associated with fertility and is often invoked by couples who are trying to conceive. In some myths, Changxi is said to have the ability to transform herself into a toad or a rabbit.
Changxi is also known for her association with the number twelve, which is believed to represent the twelve months of the lunar calendar. She is said to have given birth to twelve moons, which are believed to be her children. These moons are often depicted as rabbits, which are also associated with Changxi.
Overall, Changxi is a powerful and revered goddess in Chinese mythology, known for her beauty, fertility, and association with the moon.
Family Tree
Parentage
Changxi is the daughter of the Jade Emperor and Xihe, the goddess of the sun. Her father, the Jade Emperor, is the supreme deity in Chinese mythology and is considered to be the ruler of all gods. Her mother, Xihe, is the goddess of the sun and is responsible for the movement of the sun across the sky.
Siblings
Changxi has two siblings, Houyi and Chang’e. Houyi is a legendary archer hero who is married to Chang’e. Chang’e is often confused with Changxi, but she is actually a different lunar goddess who is known for her association with the moon.
Progeny
Changxi is the mother of twelve moons, including the Earth’s Moon. In Chinese mythology, it is believed that the twelve moons were created by Changxi and her husband, Di Jun. The twelve moons are said to represent the twelve calendar months of the year.
Changxi’s children are also associated with the Chinese zodiac. Each of the twelve moons is said to have a different animal associated with it, which corresponds to one of the animals in the Chinese zodiac. The animals associated with the twelve moons are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
Mythology
Origin Stories
Changxi is an ancient lunar goddess in Chinese mythology. She is believed to be the second wife of Di Jun, the emperor of the heavens, and the mother of twelve moons, including the Earth’s Moon. According to one myth, Changxi was born from the union of the Jade Emperor and a toad spirit. Another story suggests that she was created by the goddess Nuwa using clay.
Cultural Significance
Changxi is an important figure in Chinese mythology, representing the moon and its phases. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a white gown and a headdress made of pearls and jade. In Chinese culture, the moon is associated with femininity, fertility, and creativity, and Changxi embodies these qualities. She is also considered a protector of women and children.
Historical References
The earliest historical information on Changxi can be traced back to the Classic of Mountains and Seas, a collection of Chinese myths and legends from the Warring States period (475-221 BCE). In this text, Changxi is referred to as Changyi and is described as the wife of Di Jun and the mother of twelve moons. She is also mentioned in other ancient texts, such as the Book of Rites and the Book of Songs.
Changxi’s mythology has inspired many works of art and literature throughout Chinese history, including poetry, music, and paintings. She remains an important figure in Chinese culture and continues to be celebrated in festivals and rituals to this day.