The 15th day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival, also known as the Shang Yuan Festival, Yuan Ye, or Lantern Festival. It is the first full moon night of the year and a night when everything begins anew and the earth returns to spring. People celebrate this night as a continuation of the celebration of the Lunar New Year.

It is said that the Lantern Festival originated from King Zhao of the Chu State during the Spring and Autumn Period. Legend has it that while King Zhao was returning to his country by boat on the Yangtze River, he saw floating objects on the river that were white with a slight yellowish tint. A boatman fished them out and presented them to the king. The king tasted them and found the inside to be as red as rouge with a delicious flavor. He then ordered the imitation of these treats with hawthorn filling for his subjects to celebrate the reunion of the country and its people. This day happened to be the 15th of the first lunar month, and this practice has been passed down through the generations.

During the Han Dynasty, the Five Pecks of Rice Daoism revered heaven, earth, and humanity as the "Three Officers", also known as the "Three Yuan", and matched them with seasonal festivals. The 15th of the first lunar month is the Shang Yuan, the 15th of the seventh lunar month is the Zhong Yuan, and the 15th of the tenth lunar month is the Xia Yuan. Generally, the 15th of the first lunar month is used as a day for offering sacrifices to the Heavenly Emperor and praying for blessings.

Lantern Festival Customs

Eating Yuanxiao

In the north, they "roll" Yuanxiao, while in the south, they "wrap" Tangyuan. Although the two differ in production techniques, their meanings are the same, symbolizing unity and peace.

Lantern Displays

The Lantern Festival is also known as the Lantern Festival. On this day, every household and street hangs colorful lanterns. There are many types of traditional lanterns, such as dragon lanterns, palace lanterns, gauze lanterns, and walking horse lanterns. The custom of lantern viewing began in the Eastern Han Dynasty, and the lights symbolize hope, praying for a reunion and a smooth life in the coming year.

Solving Lantern Riddles

Solving lantern riddles is a well-known custom of the Lantern Festival. People post riddles on lanterns for others to guess, which not only enlightens wisdom but also fits the festive atmosphere.

Lion Dance

The lion dance is a Chinese folk art. On every Lantern Festival or festive celebration, the public performs the lion dance to add to the excitement. The lion is considered a auspicious animal in the minds of the Chinese, symbolizing good fortune. Residents invite the lion to their homes, expressing a beautiful wish for disaster relief and good fortune.

Walking Away Illnesses

In ancient times, there was a custom on the 15th of the first lunar month called "Walking Away Illnesses" (or dispersing illnesses, walking over bridges, etc.). On the night of the Lantern Festival, women would go out in groups, believing that crossing every bridge they saw would dispel diseases and prolong life.