Chang'e Flying to the Moon

Overview

Chang'e Flying to the Moon (嫦娥奔月, Cháng'é bēn yuè) is one of the most famous myths in Chinese mythology, telling the story of a beautiful woman who ascends to the moon after consuming an elixir of immortality. The narrative has been passed down for thousands of years and has become an integral part of Chinese cultural heritage, particularly associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival. The myth exists in multiple versions with variations in characters, motivations, and outcomes, reflecting its evolution through different historical periods and cultural contexts.

History

The origins of the Chang'e myth can be traced to ancient Chinese texts, with the earliest known reference appearing in the Guicang (归藏), a divination text from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE). Discovered in 1993 from a tomb in Hubei province, the text refers to "Hengwo" (恒我), believed to be an earlier name for Chang'e, who steals an elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West (西王母) and flies to the moon.

During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), the myth became more firmly established in the Huainanzi (《淮南子》), a philosophical text compiled under the patronage of Liu An, the Prince of Huainan. This version explicitly identifies Chang'e as the wife of the archer Hou Yi (后羿), who had shot down nine of ten suns to save humanity. The text states: "Hou Yi obtained the elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West, but Chang'e stole it and fled to the moon, leaving him in sorrow."

The name "Chang'e" itself is a result of historical linguistic development. Originally known as "Heng'e" (姮娥), the name was changed during the Han Dynasty to avoid the personal name of Emperor Wen of Han, Liu Heng (刘恒). This practice of avoiding characters used in imperial names (避讳, bìhuì) was common in Chinese history.

Key Information

Cultural Significance

The Chang'e myth has profound cultural significance in China, particularly in relation to the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节), which is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. During this festival, families gather to admire the moon, eat mooncakes (月饼), and share stories about Chang'e.

The myth has inspired countless works of literature, poetry, and art throughout Chinese history. The Tang Dynasty poet Li Shangyin (李商隐) wrote in his poem "Chang'e": "Chang'e must regret stealing the magical potion; In the vast sea and blue sky, her heart aches night after night." This poem has become one of the most famous literary references to the myth.

In different regions of China, variations of the Chang'e myth have developed. In the Hanting District of Shandong Province, for example, local traditions associate Chang'e with Yunshan Mountain (云台山), where a statue commemorating her flight to the moon stands. Local folklore claims that Chang'e was originally a beautiful young woman from the ancient Han Kingdom (古寒国), and that her husband, Han Zhuo (寒浞), built the "Cold Palace" (广寒宫) for her.

Modern Status

In contemporary China, the Chang'e myth continues to hold cultural significance, particularly in the context of China's space program. China's lunar exploration program is named "Chang'e" in honor of the mythological figure. The first Chinese lunar probe, launched in 2007, was named Chang'e 1, followed by Chang'e 2 in 2010, Chang'e 3 in 2013 (which included a lunar rover named Yutu, or Jade Rabbit), and Chang'e 4 in 2019, which achieved the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon.

The myth has also been adapted into numerous modern media forms, including films, television series, animations, and video games. These adaptations often reinterpret the traditional story to reflect contemporary values and perspectives while preserving its core elements.

The cultural impact of the Chang'e myth extends beyond China, as Chinese lunar New Year celebrations and cultural exchanges around the world often feature the story as an important element of Chinese cultural heritage.

References

1. Yuan, K. (2006). Chinese Mythology: An Introduction. University of Delaware Press.

2. Major, J. S., Cook, D., & Meskill, J. (2010). Huainanzi: A Guide to the Theory and Practice of Government in Early China. Columbia University Press.

3. Little, S. (2000). Taoism and the Arts of China. University of Chicago Press.

4. Eberhard, W. (1968). The Local Cultures of South and East China. E.J. Brill.