The Formation Process and Legend of Lantern Festival

The formation of Lantern Festival: the historical context is continuous.

Lantern Festival, also known as "Shangyuan Festival" and "Lantern Festival", is one of the important traditional festivals of the Chinese nation with a history of more than 2,000 years. Its formation and evolution is a long process, involving astronomical worship, sacrifice and blessing, religious belief and many other aspects.

The germination of ancient times: the worship and sacrifice of celestial phenomena

The origin of Lantern Festival can be traced back to ancient times. At that time, people worshipped astronomical phenomena and thought that the fifteenth day of the first month was the day when celestial officials descended to earth, symbolizing the beginning and hope of a new year. In order to pray for God's blessing, people will hold sacrificial activities on the fifteenth day of the first month, praying for good weather and good harvests.

Prosperity of Han Dynasty: Taoist Influence and Palace Celebrations

Taoism rose in the Han Dynasty, and the Lantern Festival was influenced by Taoism and became a Taoist fasting festival. During the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, the "Taiyi altar" was set up. On the fifteenth day of the first month, the emperor personally went to the altar to offer sacrifices and pray for peace and prosperity. Liu Xiu, Emperor Guangwu of Han Dynasty, even designated the Lantern Festival as a national holiday, and ordered the whole country to put on lanterns and make decorations to pray for good luck.

Tang and Song Dynasties: Folk Customs and Bright Lights

During the Tang and Song Dynasties, the Lantern Festival reached its peak. During the period of Wu Zetian, the Lantern Festival in Chang 'an was extremely prosperous, and enjoying lanterns became an important festival activity. In the Song Dynasty, the custom of Lantern Festival was more colorful. Besides watching lanterns, there are also folk activities such as solve riddles on the lanterns, setting off fireworks and playing with lions.

Legends and stories: adding festive charm

During the formation of the Lantern Festival, there are also many touching legends and stories. Among them, the most famous is the legend of the Goddess Chang'e flying to the moon. According to legend, after Houyi shot the sun, he got a bag of elixir, and his wife Chang 'e stole it and soared to the moon, becoming a fairy in the moon palace. In order to commemorate her, people will enjoy the full moon on the fifteenth day of the first month to eat glutinous rice balls, pinning their yearning for a happy life and reunion.

The meaning of blessing: placing good wishes.

Lantern Festival has the meaning of blessing since ancient times. It is believed that offering sacrifices to celestial officials or Taoist gods during the Lantern Festival can eliminate disasters and pray for a peaceful and smooth year. Lantern Festival lanterns are also endowed with auspicious meanings. People believe that lights can drive away evil spirits and bring light and happiness.

Cultural inheritance: inheriting traditional customs

After thousands of years of inheritance, the Lantern Festival has become an important cultural symbol of the Chinese nation, bearing rich historical and cultural connotations. Various places will hold colorful Lantern Festival activities, such as watching lanterns, solve riddles on the lanterns, eating glutinous rice balls and setting off fireworks. These customs not only reflect the excitement and celebration of the Lantern Festival, but also reflect the cultural diversity of China.