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Every autumn, millions celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with mooncakes, lanterns, and family reunions under the brightest full moon of the year. But the heartbeat of this holiday lies in a bittersweet, ancient legend of a hero, his courageous wife, and a love that reached the stars.

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The Hero and the Elixir

Long ago, ten burning suns scorched the earth, destroying crops and threatening humanity. A brave archer named Houyi climbed a mountain and shot down nine of the suns, saving the world.

As a reward, he was gifted a magical elixir of immortality. However, Houyi was deeply in love with his beautiful wife, Chang'e. Unable to bear the thought of ascending to the heavens without her, he refused to drink it and asked Chang'e to hide the potion safely at home.

The Sacrifice

One day, while Houyi was away hunting, a greedy apprentice broke into their home and demanded the elixir. Knowing she couldn't defeat him, Chang'e made a split-second choice to protect the potion—she drank it herself.

Immediately, her body grew weightless. She floated out the window and up into the night sky. Wanting to stay as close to her husband as possible, she chose to settle on the moon.

A Legacy in the Moonlight

When Houyi returned to find his wife gone, he was heartbroken. Looking up, he noticed the moon was exceptionally bright, and he could see a shadow resembling Chang'e. In his grief, he set out a table in the garden filled with her favorite fruits and cakes to honor her.

Moved by his devotion, local villagers began setting up their own tables under the full moon, a tradition that evolved over thousands of years into the Mid-Autumn Festival. 

Today, when families share round mooncakes, they are celebrating the full moon as a symbol of unity, family completeness, and a timeless love story.

Celebrations in Birmingham

On 26th and 27th September 2026, 11am-4pm there are celebrations at The Arcadian Centre in Birmingham China Town.

There will be activities and entertainment for all ages.

Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee

Come down to Chung Ying (opposite The Arcadian) for your celebratory Mid Autumn Festival meal. Be sure to book your table reservation as it will be a very busy weekend!