The 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar is the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival. However, there are various origins of the Lantern Festival.

I.

Since ancient times, it has been a folk custom to light lanterns to pray for good fortune. During the reign of Emperor Yongping of the Han Dynasty, in order to promote Buddhism, the Emperor ordered to light lanterns in the palace and monasteries on the 15th night of the first lunar month. Therefore, the custom of lighting lanterns became popular under the influence of Buddhist culture. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the practice of lighting lanterns at the Lantern Festival became popular. Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty believed in Buddhism, and his palace was decorated with lanterns on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

During the Tang Dynasty, cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries became closer. At that time, Buddhism flourished. It was common for officials and common people to "burn lanterns for Buddha" on the 15th day of the first lunar month. From the Tang Dynasty onwards, it has been a statutory matter to light lanterns on the Lantern Festival.

II.

Legend has it that the Lantern Festival was set up during the reign of Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty to commemorate the successful suppression of the Lü family. After the death of Liu Bang, his son Liu Ying ascended to the throne as Emperor Hui. After the death of Emperor Hui, Empress Lü ruled the court completely. To protect Liu's dynasty, Liu Xiang decided to raise an army to fight against the empress.

After the rebellion, Liu Bang's fourth son, Liu Heng, was crowned Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty. Emperor Wen realized that it was not easy to have a peaceful and prosperous life, so he made the 15th day of the first lunar month, the day when they put an end to the "rebellion of the Lü family", a day to enjoy themselves together with the people. On this day, every family in the capital celebrated with lanterns and decorations. Since then, the 15th day of the first lunar month has become a popular folk festival - the Lantern Festival.

Theory ThreeIt is said that the Lantern Festival was initiated at the Torch Festival. In ancient times, people held torches in the countryside and fields to drive away insects and animals.

Since the Sui, Tang and Song dynasties, people danced in groups on the 15th day of the first lunar month with torches held high in the fields or in the sunbeds. The number of participants was even up to tens of thousands. Despite the customs have changed over the years, the Lantern Festival is still a traditional Chinese folk festival.