Happy Lantern Festival!

 

 

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival and the Spring Lantern Festival, dates back to ancient times. According to historical records, the formation of Lantern Festival went through a long process, among which the more influential view is that it originated from the custom of Emperor Wudi burning lanterns on the first day of the first month of the Han Dynasty. Since the formulation and issuance of the "Taichu Calendar" in the Han Dynasty, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month has been identified as a major festival. By the Tang Dynasty, the Lantern Festival became a legal thing, and gradually evolved into a folk custom. After the Song Dynasty, the term "Yuanxiao" began to appear frequently in literature, replacing the previous titles such as "Yuan night" and "Yuan Xi".

 

 

On this day, eating yuanxiao is an essential traditional custom. Yuanxiao, or tangyuan, is a spherical food made of glutinous rice flour with a variety of fillings, the most common being black sesame. Eating Yuanxiao symbolizes reunion, harmony and Meimei, and expresses people's good wishes for the future life. Every family sat together, tasting the sweet Yuanxiao, sharing the joy of family.

 

In addition to eating yuanxiao, lantern viewing is also one of the important activities of the Lantern Festival. When night falls, all kinds of lanterns light up the night sky of the city and dress up the earth with colors. People have come out of the house, enjoying the lights and puzzles, enjoying the joy of the festival. In Suzhou and other places, a grand lantern fair was also held, attracting many citizens and tourists to watch.

In addition, sending lanterns is also a traditional custom of the Lantern Festival. The family will send lanterns to the home of the newly married daughter, or relatives and friends to the newlywed sterile home, in order to add good luck. This custom is especially popular in Xi 'an, Shaanxi province, during the eighth to fifteenth day of the first lunar month, people will send large palace lanterns, glass lanterns, etc., which means that the lucky star will shine and the early birth of your son.

 

Dragon and lion dances are also an indispensable part of the Lantern Festival. Dragon is the totem of the Chinese nation, symbolizing good luck; The lion is regarded as a auspicious animal, which means to eliminate disasters and seek blessings. In the cheerful sound of gongs and drums, dragon and lion dance teams shuttle through the streets, bringing joy and blessings to people.

 

It is worth mentioning that the Lantern Festival is not only popular in China, but also in overseas Chinese communities. Many Chinese communities will hold celebrations, such as dragon and lion dances, lanterns and puzzles, so that Chinese far from home can feel the warmth and joy of the festival.

 

 

With the development of The Times, the ways of celebrating the Lantern Festival are constantly innovating and enriching. In addition to the traditional Lantern Festival, many new and interesting activities have been launched around the country. For example, some places have held dumpling making competitions, lantern riddle guessing parties, etc., so that the public can experience the charm of traditional culture in the participation; In some places, technology such as live streaming and virtual reality allows more people to participate in the Lantern Festival celebration remotely.

 

In a word, Lantern Festival is a festival full of joy and warmth. It is not only a time for family reunion, but also an important carrier for inheriting and carrying forward traditional Chinese culture. On this special day, let us wish the motherland prosperity and the people happiness and well-being!