The Story of Chang’e
In ancient China, there was a beautiful and intelligent woman named Chang’e. She was the daughter of a high-ranking official in the royal court. Chang’e was not only known for her beauty but also for her talent in astronomy and alchemy.
One day, a mysterious man named Hou Yi appeared in the court. He was a skilled archer and a wise alchemist. Hou Yi was known for his ability to shoot arrows that could kill anything. The king, impressed by Hou Yi’s skills, offered him a chance to prove his abilities. Hou Yi successfully shot nine out of ten arrows, and the king rewarded him with the elixir of immortality.
However, Hou Yi was not interested in eternal life for himself. He knew that the elixir was too powerful for a single person to consume. So, he decided to share it with Chang’e. The couple happily drank the elixir, and they both soared into the sky.
As they ascended, Chang’e looked back at the Earth and realized that she had to stay in the sky. She became the Moon, and Hou Yi became the Sun. From that day on, the Moon and the Sun became inseparable companions, circling the Earth and illuminating the world.
People on Earth were amazed by the beauty of the Moon and the Sun. They began to tell stories about Chang’e and Hou Yi, and these stories became legends. The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, was established to celebrate Chang’e and her journey to the Moon.
The Moon Festival is a time for family reunions and the sharing of mooncakes, a traditional Chinese pastry. It is believed that eating mooncakes on this day brings good fortune and happiness.
The story of Chang’e is a symbol of love, sacrifice, and the eternal bond between the Earth and the Moon. It continues to inspire people around the world with its timeless message of unity and harmony.
