What is the meaning and symbol of the Lantern Festival?

Meaning and Symbolism: The Lantern Festival is similar to the word "reunion", which symbolizes the reunion of the whole family, harmony and happiness, and also remembrance of departed loved ones, and the hope for a better future. Eating the Lantern Festival symbolizes the reunion of the family like the full moon, and sends people's good wishes for the future life.

From the historical records of "Pingyuan Renewal Draft", "Years and Years", "Daming Yitongfu" and other historical materials, the Lantern Festival as a celebration of the Lantern Festival seasonal food from the Song Dynasty. Because the Lantern Festival must eat "round", so people use the name of the Lantern.

Origin:

Yuanxiao, the original meaning is "the night of the Festival", because the first month of the fifteenth "Festival" is the main activity is the evening of eating Lantern Festival to enjoy the moon, and later the name of the festival also evolved to "Lantern Festival". Later, the name of the festival evolved to "Lantern Festival". The Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar is another culmination of the celebrations that have been going on since New Year's Eve. On the night of the Lantern Festival, the streets and alleys are decorated with lanterns, and people enjoy the lanterns, guess the riddles, and eat the Lantern Festival, which has become a custom for generations.

During the reign of Emperor Wen of Han Dynasty, the 15th day of the first month was designated as the Lantern Festival. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, the festival of "Taiyi God" was held on the 15th day of the first month. (Taiyi: the god who dominates everything in the universe). When Sima Qian created the "Taichu Calendar", the Lantern Festival was already recognized as a major festival.

Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia - Lantern Festival