The Woman in the Moon
AS they watch the bright moon gradually disappear, villagers shout, “The Celestial Dog is eating the moon!” and race home to fetch the nearest acoustic implement to hand. The entire village then takes to the streets and makes as big a commotion as possible – setting off firecrackers, beating drums and gongs, and banging pots and pans – until the moon completely reemerges. This authentic Chinese scenario at times of the moon’s eclipse was commonplace not that long ago.