Legend has it that the Lantern Festival originated in the Han Dynasty to commemorate Zhang Liang, a minister of Liu Bang. It is said that at that time, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty found that all the soldiers missed Zhang Liang and ordered fireworks to celebrate. Later, people found that on the first full moon night in spring, the custom of setting off fireworks and reuniting to enjoy the Lantern Festival was very popular, thus forming the tradition of the Lantern Festival.
There is also a saying that the origin of the Lantern Festival is related to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, but the protagonist is replaced by a beautiful woman-Ming Fei's marriage. It is said that Mi Yue, the concubine of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, once opened a box in the palace, and a rabbit suddenly jumped out of it. Miyue wanted to chase the rabbit, only to find that she had returned to the palace of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty admired the intelligence of his concubine, and arranged a celebration banquet and set off fireworks under the bright moon. In order to bless their marriage, the husband and wife lit a small Han lantern, thus having the tradition of decorating streets and lanes, organizing reunion and enjoying the Lantern Festival.
In addition, the Lantern Festival is also related to the "fifteenth moon" in China folk stories. This story tells the story of a beautiful fairy who was ordered to come to earth and betrayed heaven because she fell in love with a mortal. In order to avoid being punished, the fairy hid in the world and ascended to heaven on the fifteenth night of the first lunar month. She invited people around her to play, lit lanterns and spent the festival with everyone.
No matter which version of the story, it presents a common theme-reunion and excitement. Although the Lantern Festival has a long history, the emotions celebrated by this festival have been passed down from generation to generation. The Lantern Festival is a festive festival, whether the family gets along harmoniously under lanterns or participates in Christian activities in the streets.
I want to offer some suggestions to readers to help you celebrate this festival better. You can go to museums or other cultural venues to learn about the history and culture of the Lantern Festival. You can make lanterns and eat Yuanxiao with your family or friends. You can take part in lantern parades and fireworks on the street, and experience the bustling traditional culture of China. No matter how you celebrate, remember to express your sincere blessing: I wish everyone happiness and a safe and secure New Year.