This poem is seen through the eyes of a mortal hero, Hou Yi, as he bemoans the loss of his beloved wife, who became the immortal Moon Goddess, Chang'e.

It is a poetic exploration of a spiritual aspect in a different culture to my own.

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as Moon Festival), is one of the largest festivals in Mainland China and East Asia. This festival began as a celebration of the moon and has a tradition of deity, but it is also a time to reconnect with family members. Many traditions of the Mid-Autumn festival are centered around family reunion and happiness. Offerings are made to the lunar deity, Chang'e, known as the Moon Goddess of Immortality.

The following is a summary of the background myth:

In the ancient past, there was a hero named Hou Yi who was excellent at archery. His wife was Chang'e. One year, the ten suns rose in the sky together, causing great disaster when the extreme heat killed the crops. Yi shot down nine of the suns and left only one to provide light.

For saving mankind, the Queen of Heaven rewarded Hou Yi and sent him the elixir of immortality. Yi did not want to leave his wife and be immortal without her, so he gave the elixir to Chang'e for safe-keeping, but one day, when she was attacked in her home by someone wanting to steal it, she drank the elixir.

This caused her to become immortal and fly up into the sky. Since she loved her husband very much and wanted to be near him, she chose the moon for her residence. When Yi came back and learned what had happened, he felt so sad that he displayed the fruits and cakes Chang'e liked in the yard and gave sacrifices to his wife.

People honor Chang'e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality, with moon cakes and offerings of food for good fortune. Moon cakes are often given to family members as gifts as a show of honor and respect during reunions at this festival.

You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.