The origin of lanterns

Yuanxiao originated in the Han Dynasty, flourished in the Tang Dynasty and spread among the people in the Song Dynasty. The production of lanterns in the past dynasties in China was very particular and varied. For example, Tang Yin, a painter in the Ming Dynasty, said in a poem: "Light without moon is not spring. Spring comes to people's hearts, and the lights burn like silver in the next month. The streets are full of women dressed in pearls and green. They are singing and playing games with the gods. How can we get rid of this good time until Fang Zun smiles? "

Lanterns, also known as "colored lights" and "lanterns". It is a cultural product of Chinese traditional agricultural era, with both life function and artistic characteristics. Lantern is an important entertainment culture of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. It rewards God and entertains people. It not only has the function of "Nuo opera", but also has the value of entertaining people. It is a treasure of China folk culture.

Lantern Festival originated from Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty who set up an altar in the palace on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month to worship the most distinguished Taiyi God at that time. Because it is held all night, it is necessary to light all night, which is the beginning of Lantern Festival lighting. After Buddhism was introduced to China from India, due to the combination of Taoist immortal skills and the piety of burning lanterns to worship Buddha, on the night of the fifteenth day of the first month, urban and rural areas were brightly lit, and gentry and ordinary people hung lanterns, forming a unique custom of combining Chinese and Western.

Lantern Festival is a traditional festival in China. At this time, all kinds of lanterns are hung on the street with colorful colors. Most of Fang Sheng's lanterns are themed with birds, fish, insects and flowers on the pavilion. It is made of dyed paper and decorated with gorgeous stripes of various colors.

Extended data:

Legend of sui dynasty

During the reign of Yang Di in Sui Dynasty, the Lantern Festival was very lively, and lanterns gradually developed into an important activity of the Lantern Festival. In the Tang dynasty, because of social prosperity and economic prosperity, lanterns were more brilliant and the scale of activities was quite large. The crowds watching the lights were crowded, from princes and nobles to hawkers and pawns, all went out to enjoy the lights.

During Xuanzong period, the Western Han Dynasty relaxed the prohibition system. Chang 'an, the capital of Beijing, even canceled the three-night curfew before and after the Lantern Festival, and expanded the implementation of "night release" to facilitate people to enjoy the lanterns. After the Tang Dynasty, lanterns became an important symbol of the Lantern Festival. Although the national strength of the Song Dynasty was weak, this culture was vigorously promoted by the royal family, making the Song Dynasty another important historical stage in the development of lanterns.

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. China people have a history of more than 2,000 years of setting off Kongming lanterns on the Lantern Festival. There are many kinds and styles of lanterns all over the country, which are very popular. Taiwan Province provincial lanterns, commonly known as "drum lanterns", are named after their early appearance as gongs and drums. Popular types are lanterns, dice lanterns, round lanterns and knife lanterns.

Because the Minnan dialect "Deng" and "Ding" are homonyms, it is generally considered that it is a good omen for wealthy people to carry lanterns and make lanterns. In the custom of Taiwan Province Province, women shuttle under the lights during the Lantern Festival to pray for their children and the children in the coming year; In the Hakka village of Taozhu Temple in northern Taiwan Province Province, people hang lanterns in the temple from the 11th day of the first lunar month, which is called "lighting". The homophonic "Shi Ding" is one of the ceremonies for new male students to join the clan, which has far-reaching influence.