Harvest Legends Collection

Explore these three legends from different cultures. As you read, annotate each story by noting themes of harvest, gratitude, and community.

The Legend of Chang’e and the Mooncake (Mid-Autumn Festival)

Long ago, there were ten suns blazing in the sky. The world was hot and dry, and crops withered under the scorching heat. A brave archer named Hou Yi climbed the highest mountain and shot down nine of the suns, saving the land. As a reward, the Queen Mother of the West gave Hou Yi an elixir of immortality. Not wanting to live forever without his beloved wife, Chang’e, he kept the potion hidden at home.

One day, a jealous apprentice tried to steal the elixir. To protect it, Chang’e drank the potion herself and instantly floated up to the moon. Heartbroken, Hou Yi displayed fruits and cakes on his table each autumn night, hoping Chang’e would see his offerings and know he still loved her.

Villagers across China followed his example. They baked round cakes filled with sweet bean paste—moon-shaped symbols of reunion—and left them on their doorsteps under the full moon.

Think About: How do the mooncakes and family offerings connect to themes of gratitude and unity?

The Return of Persephone (Ancient Greek Myth)

In ancient Greece, Demeter was the goddess of the harvest and protector of farmers. Her daughter, Persephone, loved to roam the flowers in the fields. One day, Hades, god of the underworld, emerged from the earth in his chariot and carried Persephone back to his dark realm.

Devastated, Demeter searched everywhere. Without her care, grain withered and the earth lay barren. Seeing humanity suffer, Zeus commanded Hades to release Persephone. But before she left, Persephone had eaten six pomegranate seeds—binding her to the underworld for part of each year.

Finally, a deal was struck: Persephone would spend six months with her mother and six months below. Each spring, Demeter’s joy would return, causing the seeds to sprout, and each autumn, her grief would return, bringing the harvest to an end.

Think About: How does this myth explain the cycle of seasons and show respect for nature’s rhythms?

The Legend of the Rice Mare (Chuseok, Korea)

Long ago in a small farming village, a wise old mare noticed that the rice fields were failing year after year. The villagers feared starvation but lacked a solution. The mare wandered into the mountains and stood beneath a glowing tree laden with golden fruit. She gently nibbled one of the fruits, then returned to the village and dropped a handful of magical seeds into the muddy soil.

The next spring, lush rice sprouts emerged overnight and filled every field. The villagers harvested an abundant crop come autumn. To give thanks, they prepared songpyeon—half-moon–shaped rice cakes filled with sesame, chestnut, or sweet bean paste—and gathered in their homes beneath the harvest moon.

They lit lanterns and offered the cakes at their ancestors’ tables, sharing the bounty with family and neighbors.

Think About: In what ways do the villagers’ actions show gratitude and build community?

Next Steps:
• Discuss with a partner: What similarities and differences do you see across these legends?
• Choose one theme—harvest, gratitude, or community—and find evidence of it in each story.

Culture Corner Chat Discussion Guide

Use this guide to facilitate small-group conversations about the readings and slides. Assign roles within each group (Discussion Leader, Recorder, Presenter, Timekeeper) to keep the conversation focused and fair.

1. Warm-Up: Noticing Patterns (3–4 minutes)

• Discussion Leader: Read aloud the question.
• Recorder: Jot down key ideas.

Question: What similarities and differences did your group notice among the festivals and legends you explored?
• Consider rituals, symbols, foods, and themes (harvest, gratitude, community).

2. Deep Dive: Personal Resonance (5–6 minutes)

• Discussion Leader: Invite each member to share a story or tradition from their own life that connects to one of the festival themes.

Prompts:
• Which story or festival tradition resonated most with you and why?
• How do you experience gratitude or community in your family or back-to-school celebrations?

3. Creative Connection: Our Mini Fall Festival (5–6 minutes)

• Discussion Leader: Present this challenge.

Design Task:
Imagine our class is hosting a new fall festival that blends elements from at least two cultures we studied. Discuss and record:

1. A name for the festival
2. Two traditions or symbols we’d include
3. A slogan or brief legend explaining its meaning

Recorder: Sketch or list your ideas below.

4. Share & Reflect (2–3 minutes)

• Presenter: Summarize your group’s top festival idea to the whole class.
• Teacher: Ask one follow-up question to deepen understanding (e.g., “How might this festival promote empathy among participants?”).

Reflection: What did you learn about how different cultures foster gratitude and community through autumn celebrations?

Mini Fall Festival Poster Project Outline

Overview

Create a colorful poster that invites your school community to a new fall festival inspired by the autumn celebrations we’ve explored. Blend at least two cultural traditions with back-to-school themes to foster empathy and joy.

Requirements

• Poster Size: Standard chart paper or 11”×17” paper
• Title: A catchy festival name
• Imagery: Draw or collage at least two icons or symbols from different cultures (e.g., lanterns, mooncakes, songpyeon, diyas)
• Slogan or Legend: A one-sentence slogan or a short legend (1–2 sentences) explaining the festival’s meaning
• Color Palette: Use warm autumn tones and school colors if desired

Materials

• Chart paper or large construction paper
• Markers, colored pencils, crayons, or paints
• Glue, scissors, and magazine cut-outs (optional)
• Ruler (for neat borders)

Steps

1. Brainstorm (5–10 minutes)
   • Review your Culture Corner Chat Discussion Guide notes and your group’s festival idea.
   • List traditions, symbols, and a festival name in your sketchbook or on scratch paper.
   
   
   
2. Sketch Layout (5–10 minutes)
   • Lightly pencil in where your title, images, and slogan will go.
   • Plan a balanced composition using shapes and colors.
   
   
   
3. Create Final Poster (20–25 minutes)
   • Outline with marker, then add color.
   • Incorporate decorative elements (borders, patterns) that reflect your chosen cultures.
   • Write your slogan or legend neatly—you may use hand-lettering or print letters.
   
   
   
4. Review & Revise (5–10 minutes)
   • Check for spelling, clarity, and visual balance.
   • Ensure your poster clearly shows the blended traditions and back-to-school spirit.
   • Make any final touches.

Assessment Criteria

Your poster will be evaluated on:
• Cultural Integration: Effective use of at least two cultural symbols or traditions
• Creativity & Design: Originality, visual appeal, and clear layout
• Clarity of Message: Festival name and slogan/legend communicate purpose
• Neatness & Craftsmanship: Legible text and clean presentation

Due: Next class session. Be prepared to present your poster and explain how you blended traditions to build community.