It is a kind of Chinese folk sacrifice and religious activity, used to mourn the deceased relatives and bless the living people.

The Chinese folk custom of placing river lanterns originated very early. Primitive societies were limited in their understanding of nature. For a long time, people believed that fire was the source of all things. It became a totem for worship, a symbol of auspiciousness and warmth, and a god who defeated cold and hunger.

In some areas, the display of river lanterns is not limited to July and a half. River lanterns are also displayed on the Three Song Festival, Guozhuang Festival, Shangsi Festival and March Festival in March. Girls are particularly fond of this custom. They often make small homemade lanterns with their wishes for a better life in the future floating down the river on festival nights.

The seventh day of the seventh lunar month in the lunar calendar is the folk Magpie Bridge Festival, also known as the Qiao Qiao Festival and the Girl's Day. People are afraid that the Cowherd cannot see the Magpie Bridge in the dark, so they put lanterns on the human river to let the Cowherd know the way. Quickly meet the Weaver Girl. This was recorded in many literati's poems and articles after the Song Dynasty.

In Jiangnan, people who have recovered from illness and their relatives make river lanterns and put them out to send away the disaster of the disease. The time is naturally not limited to July and a half. "The paper boats are burning with candles shining in the sky" is a vivid description of this custom. Ships in rivers, lakes and sea take the initiative to give way to the drifting lightships as a sign of good luck.

Extended information

Other customs of the Dragon Boat Festival

1. Dragon Boat Festival

An important activity of the Dragon Boat Festival is the ancient dragon totem The sacrificial rituals are leftover customs. It is still very popular in the coastal areas of southern my country. After spreading abroad, it was deeply loved by people from all over the world and formed an international competition.

Dragon boat racing has a long history and is a collective paddling competition for many people. The dragon boat race is divided into several sections, such as inviting the dragon, worshiping the dragon god, swimming the dragon and collecting the dragon. Before the dragon boat race, a grand sacrificial ceremony is usually held. First, the dragons and gods must be invited. For example, the Guangdong dragon boat must choose an auspicious day to take off from the water before the Dragon Boat Festival. After worshiping the gods, the dragon head and tail are installed, and then preparations are made for the race.

2. Dragon Boat Festival rice dumplings

Zong, that is, "Zong_", commonly known as "Zongzi", is one of the "_". "_" is a tribute used to worship gods and ancestors during festivals. There are many varieties of _ and different festivals will make different _. Making _ to worship gods and ancestors is an ancient custom. The main materials of rice dumplings are rice, fillings and Ruo leaves (or _ leaves), etc., and there are many varieties.

Baidu Encyclopedia—River Lanterns

Baidu Encyclopedia—Dragon Boat Festival