The Legend of Cháng’é (嫦娥)
In ancient times ten suns rose into the sky and began to scorch the earth. The warrior Hou Yi took his bow and shot nine of them out of the sky to save mankind. As a reward, the Emperor of Heaven bestowed upon him an elixir of eternal life. But Hou Yi was earthbound, held by his love for the beautiful Chang’e, so he gave her the elixir for safe-keeping. Unfortunately, his wicked disciple Peng Meng, broke into Chang’e’s chamber and attempted to steal the elixir. Knowing that she couldn’t defeat him, Chang’e swallowed the elixir to keep it from him, and immediately rose into the heavens finding sanctuary on the nearest heavenly destination, the moon, to be close to her beloved Hou Yi. When he realized what had transpired, Hou Yi lamented, and saw her shadow on the face of the moon. Upon hearing of Chang’e’s ascension, people prayed to the new goddess for peace and good luck. Every year on this day, we celebrate the bounty that Hou Yi’s bravery secured and the brightness of Chang’e’s spirit, reflected in the fullness of the moon.