Chang Er is a figure in Chinese mythology and folklore who is commonly associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. She is often depicted as a beautiful and immortal goddess who resides on the moon.
According to the legend, Chang Er was once a mortal woman married to the legendary archer Hou Yi. During a time when there were ten suns in the sky, causing extreme heat and hardship on Earth, Hou Yi used his exceptional archery skills to shoot down nine of the suns, saving humanity from the scorching heat. As a reward, he was granted an elixir of immortality.
However, Chang Er discovered the elixir and, fearing that her husband’s immortality would separate them forever, she consumed it herself. As a result, she became weightless and floated to the moon, where she has lived ever since.
In Chinese culture, Chang Er is often associated with femininity, beauty, and the moon. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, people celebrate her by offering mooncakes and other traditional foods, as well as admiring the full moon. The story of Chang Er serves as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and the longing for reunion with loved ones.
