Zoomorphism in Chinese Solar and Lunar Mythology

the Crow and the Hare in Chinese Cultural Imagination

Abstract

In Chinese culture, the importance attributed to the Sun and the Moon – albeit to varying degrees – stems primarily from the influence both celestial bodies exert on the daily lives of ordinary people and, to some extent, on the experiences of the gods themselves. Generally, the Sun is appreciated for the warmth, vitality, and freedom it brings, yet it is also linked to a sense of excessive and selfish independence. The Moon, in contrast, often evokes coldness and distance and is frequently portrayed as the site of the Moon Palace – a liminal space between Earth and Heaven and the final destination of one of the most beloved figures in Chinese mythology: Chang’e. Within Chinese mythological narratives that present the Sun and the Moon as entities with personal desires and intentions – especially in the context of stories involving Houyi, the Archer – both celestial bodies are closely associated with zoomorphic figures: a golden crow (solar) and a hare (lunar). This symbolism not only suggests the development of these myths within tribal and totemic societies but also reflects a deep curiosity about the movements of these celestial orbs, which, in turn, shaped their symbolic interpretations. This article aims, on the one hand, to analyze the significance of the Sun and the Moon in Chinese cultural imagination, highlighting the extent to which they help society navigate an otherwise mysterious world. On the other hand, it explores their metamorphosis and/or association with the aforementioned animals, drawing parallels and offering comparisons with similar mythological motifs in other global traditions.