Legend of Change and the Moon Goddess
Legend of Chang'e and the Moon Goddess
• In ancient Chinese mythology, there lived a beautiful goddess named Chang'e who resided on the moon. According to legend, she was once a mortal woman who had consumed an elixir of immortality given by the Eight Immortals.
• The story begins with Chang'e's husband, Hou Yi, who was known for his exceptional archery skills. He had saved China from ten suns that threatened to destroy the earth by shooting them down with his arrows.
• However, Hou Yi became increasingly proud and arrogant after his victory. One day, he decided to store the elixir in a box and left it unattended at home. His wife Chang'e discovered it while trying to make soup for her husband.
• Out of curiosity and greed, Chang'e opened the box but accidentally swallowed some of its content before realizing what it was. As soon as she did so, she felt herself lifted off the ground and began floating towards heaven.
• Panicked by this sudden transformation into an immortal being without wings or means of returning home, Chang'e desperately searched for help until finally reaching out to another immortal called Feng Bo (the God of Wind) for assistance.
• Feng Bo sympathized with her plight but told her that he couldn't help her return home because immortals were forbidden from descending back onto Earth due to their immense power which could disrupt natural order if used improperly.
• Feeling hopeless yet determined not to be separated from her beloved husband forevermore; she requested permission from Emperor Jade (Yuhuang Dadi), asking him if there might be any way possible for her return despite being an immortal now.
• Moved by both sides' love stories & pleading hearts; Emperor Jade took pity on them & granted permission allowing chang e only visit hou yi during qingming festival each year where spirits are believed roam free amongst mortals again in peace & tranquility
Thus began a bittersweet tradition - every year during Qingming Festival when spirits roam free among mortals again in peace and tranquility - Hou Yi would release 3 white cranes into sky hoping they'll carry messages between him & chang e residing on moon while chang e too releases 2 golden pheasants in opposite direction hoping they will find their way back together just like old times before fate tore them apart forevermore
