A Healing Rabbit

, or the Rabbit God,is a prominent feature during Beijing’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations. Legend has it that the Moon Goddess Chang’e sent down her animal companion to save the city from a plague. The mythical figure is therefore a symbol of good health and fortune.clay sculptures, part of state-level intangible cultural heritage,today are popular toys and ornaments.

Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month on the traditional Chinese calendar when the Moon is believed to shine at its brightest—September 10 this year. Traditional customs include family reunions, eating mooncakes and admiring the moon. BR

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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5. Finished clay figurines

1. A craftsman meticulously makes a clay figurine

2. A craftsman uses a Chinese calligraphy brush to paint a Tu’er Nainai (wife of Tu’er Ye) sculpture

3. New, modern designs make the Tu’er Ye figurines more appealing to younger generations

4. One needs a refined skillset to create these delicate sculptures