This article is about the mythological character. For the Chinese Lunar Rover, see
Yutu (rover).
"Jade Hare" redirects here. For the module for Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set, see
The Jade Hare.
The Moon rabbit or Moon hare is a mythical figure in East Asian and indigenous American folklore, based on interpretations that identify the dark markings on the near side of the Moon as a rabbit or hare. In the realm of East Asian mythology, the rabbit is seen as pounding with a mortar and pestle, but the contents of the mortar differ among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean folklore. In Chinese folklore, the rabbit is often portrayed as a companion of the Moon goddess Chang'e, constantly pounding the elixir of life[1] for her and some show the making of cakes or rice cakes; but in Japanese and Korean versions, the rabbit is pounding the ingredients for mochi or some other type of rice cakes. In some Chinese versions of the mythological tradition, the rabbit pounds medicine for the mortals and some include making of mooncakes. Moon folklore from certain Amerindian cultures of North America also has rabbit themes and characters.
Quick Facts Chinese name, Chinese ...
Moon rabbit |
---|
|
The image of a rabbit and mortar delineated on the Moon's surface |
|
Chinese | 月兔 |
---|
Literal meaning | Moon rabbit/hare |
---|
|
|
Chinese | 玉兔 |
---|
Literal meaning | Jade rabbit/hare |
---|
|
|
Hangul | 달토끼 |
---|
|
|
Kanji | 月の兎 |
---|
|
|
Close