The legend of Chang’e, the Chinese moon goddess, is a tale deeply woven into Chinese mythology. However, she is rarely depicted alone. Accompanying her in the Moon Palace is a mysterious and adorable creature—the Jade Rabbit (or Moon Rabbit). But why a rabbit? How did this fluffy companion become the designated pet of the moon goddess?

Ancient Curiosity: What’s on the Moon?

Long before telescopes and space probes, ancient Chinese scholars and poets pondered the nature of the moon. Was it a land of spirits? Did animals dwell there? Debates ensued, with contenders such as the tiger, the toad, and—of course—the rabbit. One of the earliest references comes from the famous poet Qu Yuan (c. 340–278 BCE), who wrote in the Heavenly Questions (Tian Wen):

“What virtue does the moon possess to die and be reborn? What benefit does it gain with a rabbit in its belly?”

This passage sparked interpretations that shaped Chinese folklore. The Eastern Han scholar Wang Yi later annotated, “There is a rabbit on the moon.” Over time, this notion gained widespread acceptance, cementing the Moon Rabbit’s place in mythology.

The Moon Rabbit vs. The Moon Tiger

While the rabbit became the dominant lunar creature in folklore, some scholars argue that the original celestial beast was actually a tiger. The linguist Tang Bingzheng proposed that the phrase “Gu Tu” (顧菟) in Tian Wen was mistakenly interpreted as a rabbit (兔, Tu), whereas it originally referred to a tiger. This theory is based on phonetic shifts in ancient dialects, where “Yu Tu” (玉兔), meaning “Jade Rabbit,” may have evolved from “Yu Hu” (玉虎), meaning “Jade Tiger.”

Interestingly, elements of both interpretations survive in Chinese culture. In Beijing folk traditions, the deity known as Tuer Ye (Lord Rabbit) is depicted riding a tiger, symbolizing the merging of these two mythical creatures.

The Moon Rabbit’s Role: Healer, Immortal, and Mythic Messenger

The Moon Rabbit is not just a passive pet in mythology—it plays an important role in preparing the elixir of immortality. This connection likely stems from even older myths about the Queen Mother of the West (Xi Wangmu), a deity associated with longevity. Ancient depictions of Xi Wangmu frequently include rabbits pounding herbs, suggesting that the association between rabbits and immortality predates the Chang’e legend.

This imagery is also echoed in other cultures. In Japan and Korea, the Moon Rabbit is said to be pounding rice cakes rather than an elixir, while an Indian Buddhist legend tells of a self-sacrificing rabbit who throws itself into a fire, only to be placed on the moon as a reward by a deity.

Why a Rabbit? The Symbolism Behind the Myth

Beyond mythology, the rabbit’s association with the moon may have a biological basis. In ancient China, people observed that rabbits have a gestation cycle of approximately 29 days—nearly identical to the lunar cycle. Furthermore, folklore suggested that rabbits could conceive by gazing at the moon, reinforcing their connection to lunar forces and fertility.

Additionally, rabbits’ wide-eyed nocturnal habits led to their nickname Ming Shi (明視), meaning “bright-seeing.” Their ability to navigate the night may have contributed to the belief that they were natural moon dwellers.

From Myth to Modern Pop Culture

Today, the Moon Rabbit continues to thrive in global culture. The legend has inspired characters in literature, anime, and video games. From the Jade Rabbit in Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations to its cameo in NASA’s Apollo missions (where astronauts jokingly referenced it), the rabbit remains an enduring symbol of mystery and wonder.

The Moon Rabbit’s journey from ancient poetry to modern storytelling demonstrates the power of mythology in shaping cultural identity. Whether pounding medicine, leaping across constellations, or simply keeping Chang’e company, this celestial bunny ensures that humanity’s fascination with the moon never wanes.