Story About The Jade Rabbit Chasing the Moon
The story of "The Jade Rabbit Chasing the Moon" is a popular Chinese legend that explains the origin of the Jade Rabbit and its connection to the moon. Here's a simplified version of the story:
Long ago, there were three gods who transformed themselves into poor old men and asked for food from a fox, a monkey, and a rabbit in the forest. The fox and the monkey had food to offer, but the rabbit, being poor, didn't have anything to give.
Seeing the rabbit's kindness and willingness to share despite its own poverty, the three gods revealed their true identities and thanked the rabbit. They were so moved by the rabbit's generosity that they decided to take it to the moon to live with them.
Once on the moon, the rabbit was given the task of making an elixir of immortality. It was believed that the moon's divine herbs could be used to create this elixir. The rabbit, with its dedication and hard work, pounded the herbs with a mortar and pestle day and night, trying to create the elixir.
However, despite its efforts, the elixir remained out of reach, and the rabbit could never attain immortality. Nevertheless, the Jade Rabbit continued its work, pounding the herbs on the moon's surface and symbolizing diligence, sacrifice, and selflessness.
This story is often associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, during which people offer mooncakes and pay tribute to the Jade Rabbit. It serves as a reminder of the values of kindness, hard work, and selflessness, and it celebrates the beauty of the moon, a central element of Chinese culture.During this festival, people often make offerings to the Jade Rabbit as a symbol of good fortune and unity among family members.
