HOME | DD

Description
C is for Chang’e 🌙🌝🐇 the Moon Goddess in Chinese mythology.

This story is linked with the Mid-Autumn Festival, taking place this week-end, on Sept. 29th!

In this legend, Chang'e was once a mortal woman. Her archer husband Houyi had gained the favours of the Jade Emperor: back then, there had been 10 suns, and Houyi shot down the extra 9, saving us from scorching heat and drought. 🏹☀️

The emperor gifted them the “Elixir of Immortality” as a reward, which they were supposed to share. But while Houyi was away on a mission, Chang’e grew lonely and tempted, and drank the Elixir of Immortality by herself.

Suddenly, she floated away, condemned to eternal solitude on the Moon.

But a small creature is there to keep her company: the Jade Rabbit, Yutu. The legend says that the Rabbit is always brewing herbs for her, endlessly recreating the Elixir of Immortality.

Symbolically, I think this story represents how isolating and lonely it can be to try and outrun your own mortality: whether seeking endless bliss, wealth or eternal beauty, you cannot seek immortality without losing yourself and ultimately being disconnected from your loved ones.
It’s also a warning about isolation and excessive internal rumination: in the story, Chang’e stays alone for so long that she loses touch with reality and floats away. In French, when someone is lost in thought, we call it being “dans la lune”, which means "in the moon". The rabbit endlessly brewing the potion also reminds me of this "obsessive" behaviour that a quest for immortality can create.

I find it beautiful that the Mid-Autumn Festival is associated with family unity and reunion. It’s a reminder of the importance of staying in touch with those around you and, ultimately, of your humble mortal nature, here on Earth.

This is a happy synchronicity, as both of my parents just moved to Beijing, China, and will be able to experience the festival themselves! Traditionally, they'll be eating Mooncakes, a tribute to Chang'e and her loyal companion.

Next time you look up at the moon, you might notice a face, or a rabbit.

Description
C is for Chang’e 🌙🌝🐇 the Moon Goddess in Chinese mythology.

This story is linked with the Mid-Autumn Festival, taking place this week-end, on Sept. 29th!

In this legend, Chang'e was once a mortal woman. Her archer husband Houyi had gained the favours of the Jade Emperor: back then, there had been 10 suns, and Houyi shot down the extra 9, saving us from scorching heat and drought. 🏹☀️

The emperor gifted them the “Elixir of Immortality” as a reward, which they were supposed to share. But while Houyi was away on a mission, Chang’e grew lonely and tempted, and drank the Elixir of Immortality by herself.

Suddenly, she floated away, condemned to eternal solitude on the Moon.

But a small creature is there to keep her company: the Jade Rabbit, Yutu. The legend says that the Rabbit is always brewing herbs for her, endlessly recreating the Elixir of Immortality.

Symbolically, I think this story represents how isolating and lonely it can be to try and outrun your own mortality: whether seeking endless bliss, wealth or eternal beauty, you cannot seek immortality without losing yourself and ultimately being disconnected from your loved ones.
It’s also a warning about isolation and excessive internal rumination: in the story, Chang’e stays alone for so long that she loses touch with reality and floats away. In French, when someone is lost in thought, we call it being “dans la lune”, which means "in the moon". The rabbit endlessly brewing the potion also reminds me of this "obsessive" behaviour that a quest for immortality can create.

I find it beautiful that the Mid-Autumn Festival is associated with family unity and reunion. It’s a reminder of the importance of staying in touch with those around you and, ultimately, of your humble mortal nature, here on Earth.

This is a happy synchronicity, as both of my parents just moved to Beijing, China, and will be able to experience the festival themselves! Traditionally, they'll be eating Mooncakes, a tribute to Chang'e and her loyal companion.

Next time you look up at the moon, you might notice a face, or a rabbit.