![]() In the examples above, the elixir of immortality is largely confined to the realm of myth and legend, well beyond the reach of mortal hands. The Last Supper painting where Jesus was believed to have drunk from the Holy Grail, which was believed to be an elixir of life. Although Flamel was a real person who might not have dabbled in alchemy, he gained a reputation as a master alchemist centuries after his death. Lastly, medieval alchemists sought to create the elixir of life, and Nicolas Flamel is reputed to have succeeded in this endeavor. Those who drank from the grail are believed to be granted immortality. In Arthurian legend, there is the Holy Grail, the cup believed to have been used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. In this myth, ‘amrita’ was the last of the fourteen treasures to have emerged during the churning of the ocean.ĭepiction of the ‘Churning of the Ocean of Milk’, the elixir of life from Hindu mythology. The ancient Greeks believed that the gods attained their immortality by consuming this substance.Ī similar substance, known as ‘amrita’ is found in Hindu mythology, specifically in the story of the ‘Churning of the Ocean of Milk’. In ancient Greece, for example, this substance was known as ‘ambrosia’, or the ‘nectar of the gods’. The elixir of immortality is found in various cultures throughout history. Still, this did not deter the Chinese elite from seeking the elixir of immortality, and this deadly substance is documented to have been consumed as late as the 18 th century. In reality, however, the elixir shortened their lives, and even caused their deaths, as its ingredients often included highly toxic substances. In the history of China, however, many emperors, nobles, and officials are recorded to have consumed the elixir of immortality, in the hopes of living forever. Nevertheless, they are, for the most part, limited to the realm of myth and legend. Various civilizations throughout human history have their own version of the elixir of immortality. Moon cakes are also often given as gifts during the holiday, as families reunite.The elixir of immortality (known also as the elixir of life) is a mythical substance believed to grant those who consume it eternal life. Eating round moon cakes, under a round moon makes the locals long for their family and friends. Many of the cakes are round, symbolizing the family reunion that often happens during this festival. Moon cakes come in many shapes and sizes, with different kinds of fillings such as nuts, fruit, bean paste, coffee, chocolate, and even flowers. One of the most popular customs around the Mid-Autumn festival is eating moon cakes. It is possible that moon offerings became popular because of this story. He found the fruits and cakes that his wife loved, and presented them to the moon, to her, as gifts and as a sign of his undying love. Yi heard of what had happened and was inconsolable. To keep the elixir safe, she drank it herself, and immediately flew towards the heavens, landing on the moon and settling there forever. But Yi, however, did not consume the potion, choosing instead of to save it, as he didn’t want to become immortal without his wife, Chang’E.īut one day, when Yi was out hunting, a thief by the name of Fengmeng, broke into their house to steal the elixir, threatening Chang’E to give it up. ![]() ![]() But a skillful archer, known only as Yi, was able to shoot down nine of the suns, and as a reward, he was given an elixir of immortality. ![]() A long time ago, ten suns had risen in the sky, and were causing hardships on the peasants below. In old times, a more romantic story has surfaced and gained traction, which is the story of Chang’E. To express their gratitude, they would give thanks to the moon by providing offerings as far back as the Zhou Dynasty between 1046 and 256 BC. The moon is thought to have a close relationship with how and when the seasons change and was therefore very important to farmers. Not only holidays are scheduled this way though, as wedding dates are also often set, based on the lunar calendar, and many Chinese locals still celebrate their birthday according to the lunar calendar as well. All major holidays in China are planned according to the lunar calendar, except for the National Holiday which falls on October 1 st each year. The moon has always been carefully observed in China, and many important decisions are tied to the moon and its movements in the sky. Chinese Moon Cakes - A delicacy enjoyed around the time of the Mid-Autumn Festival in China History ![]()
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