According to Aztec/Mexica mythology, after the destruction of the fourth sun, the Teteoh* gathered together to decide who would become the fifth sun.
Tecciztecatl, proud and rich, volunteered, but they needed someone else. So Nanauatl, a poor Teotl, was chosen. A huge bonfire was built, and when the time came, Tecciztecatl attempted to throw himself into the flame, but his fear overwhelmed him. Nanauatl closed his eyes and jumped in. Ashamed, Tecciztecatl follows him into the fire, upsetting the other Teteoh.
Eventually, two bright suns rose in the sky. Angry that Tecciztecatl continued to follow Nanauatl as a second sun, the other Teteoh throw a rabbit at him, leaving an imprint of a rabbit on his face, dimming his light which turned him into the moon. This is why the Aztecs/Mexica say there is a rabbit in the moon.
*The study of Mesoamerican religion has been the subject of misinformation and speculation. The Westernized version of Mesoamerican religions concludes that Native peoples, like the Aztecs, believed in many Gods (Teteoh). However, Indigenous sources claim that they did/do not believe in Gods, but rather believe in one supreme Creator (both male and female), which manifests his/herself in all aspects of creation, be it rain, fire, wind, etc. It is these manifestations that Native peoples are honoring.
Tecciztecatl, proud and rich, volunteered, but they needed someone else. So Nanauatl, a poor Teotl, was chosen. A huge bonfire was built, and when the time came, Tecciztecatl attempted to throw himself into the flame, but his fear overwhelmed him. Nanauatl closed his eyes and jumped in. Ashamed, Tecciztecatl follows him into the fire, upsetting the other Teteoh.
Eventually, two bright suns rose in the sky. Angry that Tecciztecatl continued to follow Nanauatl as a second sun, the other Teteoh throw a rabbit at him, leaving an imprint of a rabbit on his face, dimming his light which turned him into the moon. This is why the Aztecs/Mexica say there is a rabbit in the moon.
*The study of Mesoamerican religion has been the subject of misinformation and speculation. The Westernized version of Mesoamerican religions concludes that Native peoples, like the Aztecs, believed in many Gods (Teteoh). However, Indigenous sources claim that they did/do not believe in Gods, but rather believe in one supreme Creator (both male and female), which manifests his/herself in all aspects of creation, be it rain, fire, wind, etc. It is these manifestations that Native peoples are honoring.