Changxi

Overview

In Chinese mythology, Changxi (常羲) is an ancient lunar goddess who is the second wife of Di Jun (帝俊). She is the mother of twelve moons, including the Earth’s Moon. Her myth can be taken literally or interpreted to mean that she gave birth to the twelve calendar months of the year.

Mythology

Because their names are so similar, she is often confused with the other Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e (嫦娥), even though Changxi’s myth actually predates any mention of Chang’e. But, it’s believed that their legends may have originated from the same primitive Chinese lunar goddess.

Changxi is first mentioned in the Shān Hǎi Jīng (山海經) or The Classic of Mountains and Seas briefly in one line: “Di Jun married Changxi, and she gave birth to twelve moons.”