In the calendar of the ancient Eastern kingdom, there lies a special day following closely after the Spring Festival, akin to the conclusion of the new year yet heralding the dawn of fresh hopes—this is the Chinese Lantern Festival! 🎉 If you're not quite familiar with this festival, allow me to guide you through an exploration of this traditional Chinese festival, imbued with rich cultural heritage and charm.
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival or the Festival of Lights, boasts a history dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. Initially tied to night-time sacrifices to Taiyi (the Supreme Deity), it gradually incorporated Buddhist elements, evolving into a lantern festival celebrated by all. The Lantern Festival is not merely a celebration marking the conclusion of the new year but also a prayer for light, wisdom, and unity. On this day, people engage in activities such as lantern appreciation, eating tangyuan, and dragon and lion dances, expressing their yearning for a happy life and missing their loved ones.