You’ve probably heard of the cow that jumped over the moon. That’s an impressive trick, but what about the jade rabbit that actually lives there and devotes its life to fancy chemistry?
That rabbit, a beautiful woman and a brave archer will all play roles on Sunday when the Museum of Chinese in America presents its Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Family Day, honoring one of China’s most important holidays.
“You can equate it almost with Thanksgiving,” said Karen L. Lew, the museum’s director of education and visitor services. “It’s a celebration of the fall harvest and families coming together.”
The most important reunion is that of the woman Chang-Er and the archer Ho Yi. In Chinese legend the emperor had given Ho Yi the elixir of life as a reward. Ho Yi hid this magical substance, but his wife, Chang-Er, found it and swallowed it.
“She discovered immediately that she could fly,” Ms. Lew said. Chang-Er soared straight to the moon, but because of her transgression she was not allowed to return. In one version of the tale the jade rabbit, her sole companion, grinds herbs forever, trying to recreate the lost potion.
From then on Ho Yi and Chang-Er live apart, except during the festival. “At this time the moon’s at its brightest, and he can come and visit her,” Ms. Lew said.
At noon Chinese Theater Works will present “Chang-Er Flies to the Moon,” conceived by Kuang-Yu Fong and Stephen Kaplin, and directed and designed by Mr. Kaplin. The show tells the festival story with shadow puppets. (Left, Chang-Er and the rabbit.)
Children can also make their own puppets, as well as colorful lantern designs and folded-paper decorations. And they will learn about the festival’s signature dish, mooncakes — legend says these filled pastries were used to conceal messages of rebellion against Mongol invaders during the 1300s — and create them from clay.
The day will also include gallery tours, art demonstrations and, at 1:30 p.m., a reading and craft workshop for children 4 to 8 by Kam Mak, author and illustrator of “My Chinatown: One Year in Poems.” He salutes a purely terrestrial neighborhood, but those seeking a glimpse of the other kind can gaze upward.
“Sometimes,” Ms. Lew said, “people say when you look at the moon, you can see the outline of the jade rabbit and Chang-Er.”
(10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 215 Centre Street, between Howard and Grand Streets, Lower Manhattan, 212-619-4785, mocanyc.org. Free with admission: $7; $4 for students and 65+; free for under 12 and members.) LAUREL GRAEBER
For Children
‘Archaeology Zone: Discovering Treasures From Playgrounds to Palaces’ (Friday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday) Children will step into the shoes of an explorer like Indiana Jones in this permanent exhibition at the Jewish Museum, but the adventures will be purely scholarly. Still, there is plenty of excitement in analyzing artifacts like a jar handle, a clay jug and a bangle and figuring out the purpose behind ancient pieces like a Greek helmet and a bull-shaped vessel. This interactive show, for ages 3 to 10, also includes a recreated room from the Ottoman period (about 1900), where young archaeologists can dress in costume. From 11 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., except this Tuesday, when the museum will close at 2 p.m. for Yom Kippur; until 8 p.m. on Thursdays; 1109 Fifth Avenue, at 92nd Street, (212) 423-3200, thejewishmuseum.org. Free with admission: $12; $10 for 65+; $7.50 for students; free for under 12 and members.
No comments:
Post a Comment