The origin of lanterns

Youdeng originated in the Western Han Dynasty.

On the fifteenth day of the first month, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty set up an altar in the palace to offer sacrifices. Because it is held all night, it is necessary to light all night, so this day has become the beginning of the Lantern Festival. Since then, every night on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the lights in urban and rural areas are brightly lit, and the gentry and the people all hang lights, forming a unique custom.

In the Sui Dynasty, when Yang Di was in Yangdi, the Lantern Festival was very lively, and there was a night of singing all night. Therefore, this form of appreciating lanterns has gradually developed into an important activity of the Lantern Festival. Although the national strength of the Song Dynasty was weak, it was further promoted by the royal family, making the Song Dynasty another important historical stage in the development of visiting lamps. In Ming and Qing dynasties, the lantern viewing craze continued unabated, and there was even a lantern market in the square, selling lanterns of various styles to compete for beauty.