The Mid-Autumn Festival and the Legend of Chang’e Flying to the Moon

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it’s a time for families to reunite, admire the full moon, and enjoy mooncakes, symbolizing togetherness and happiness. The festival’s rich culture is closely linked to a famous myth: the story of Chang’e flying to the moon.

According to legend, long ago, ten suns rose in the sky at the same time, scorching the earth and causing disasters for all living creatures. The hero Hou Yi saved the people by shooting down nine of the suns, becoming a celebrated figure. As a reward, he received an elixir of immortality, a magical potion that could grant eternal life.

However, Hou Yi’s wife, Chang’e, eventually swallowed the elixir and ascended to the moon, becoming a goddess living in the Moon Palace. From then on, she lived alone, accompanied only by the soft glow of the moon. To honor Chang’e and express longing for distant loved ones, people developed the tradition of moon-watching during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which eventually became a symbol of family reunion.

The legend of Chang’e flying to the moon is more than a romantic story—it also reflects humanity’s fascination with the moon. For centuries, the moon has been an important cultural symbol in China.   People would admire the moon, write poems, and celebrate the festival to express thoughts of family and loved ones.

In modern times, China has honored this legendary figure through space exploration. The lunar exploration program named its series of spacecraft “Chang’e” in tribute to the moon goddess. For example, the Chang’e lunar landers and orbiters have successfully studied the moon’s surface, and the Chang’e 4 mission even landed on the far side of the moon—a historic first. This connection between ancient myth and cutting-edge science highlights how the legend of Chang’e flying to the moon continues to inspire curiosity, imagination, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Interestingly, learning Chinese can enhance the appreciation of this festival.   Understanding Chinese language and culture allows travelers and readers to enjoy traditional songs, poems, and stories more deeply. With apps like S-mandarin, learners can practice real-life phrases, read Chinese legends, and even explore cultural idioms and proverbs related to the moon and family.

The story of Chang’e flying to the moon adds mystery and romance to the festival. For anyone learning Chinese, it’s also an engaging way to explore traditional Chinese myths while improving language skills. Each year, as the full moon rises, it reminds us that the bonds between humans, culture, and nature are timeless—an experience enriched by understanding the language behind the stories.