What are the customs of the Lantern Festival?
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival, Xiaozhengyue or Lantern Festival, is one of the traditional Chinese festivals, which falls on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. As the first important festival after the Spring Festival, the Lantern Festival carries rich cultural connotations and diverse customs and habits. The following are the main customs of the Lantern Festival and their related data.
1. Main customs of the Lantern Festival
| Custom name | Specific content | Popular areas |
|---|---|---|
| Flower viewing lantern | During the Lantern Festival, lantern festivals are held in various places to display various lanterns, such as dragon lanterns, palace lanterns, zodiac lanterns, etc. | Nationwide, especially famous in Nanjing, Beijing, Chengdu and other places |
| eat yuanxiao | Yuanxiao is a round food made of glutinous rice flour and stuffed, symbolizing a happy reunion. | Nationwide |
| Guess lantern riddles | Write riddles on lanterns for people to guess and solve, adding to the fun of the festival. | Nationwide, especially prevalent in the Jiangnan region |
| dragon dance and lion dance | Performers dressed in dragon and lion costumes dance to the sound of gongs and drums, which means to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. | Guangdong, Fujian, Taiwan and other southern regions |
| Release sky lanterns | Release lanterns with wishes written on them into the sky to pray for peace and prosperity. | Taiwan, Fujian and other places |
2. The origin and significance of the Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival originated in the Han Dynasty and has a history of more than 2,000 years. It was originally a palace sacrificial activity, but later gradually evolved into a folk festival. The core meaning of the Lantern Festival is reunion and blessing. People express their yearning for a better life through activities such as admiring lanterns and eating Lantern Festival.
3. Modern evolution of the Lantern Festival
With the development of the times, the customs of the Lantern Festival are also constantly innovating. For example, modern lantern festivals incorporate technological elements, such as LED light shows, 3D projections, etc.; the taste of Lantern Festival has also become more diverse. In addition to the traditional sesame and bean paste fillings, new flavors such as fruit and chocolate have also appeared.
| modern innovation | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| Technology Lantern Festival | Use lighting technology to create immersive experiences, such as Shanghai Yuyuan Lantern Festival and Xi'an Datang Evernight City Lantern Festival |
| New flavor of Lantern Festival | New fillings such as durian, cheese, and matcha are popular among young people |
| Online activities | Live broadcast the lantern festival through short video platforms, or hold online lantern riddle guessing activities |
4. The cultural value of the Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival is not only a time for family reunion, but also an important carrier of inheriting Chinese culture. Its customs and activities reflect the Chinese people's unique understanding of nature, family and society, and have profound cultural connotations. In 2008, the Lantern Festival was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list, further demonstrating its cultural status.
5. The international influence of the Lantern Festival
As the influence of Chinese culture continues to expand, the Lantern Festival has gradually spread to the world. Chinese communities in many countries will hold Lantern Festival celebrations, and even some foreign cities will organize lantern festivals or cultural exhibitions to let more people know about this traditional festival.
| Country/Region | Lantern Festival activities |
|---|---|
| USA | Chinatowns in New York, San Francisco and other places will hold large-scale lantern festivals and parades |
| singapore | Gardens by the Bay holds Lantern Festival Lantern Show, attracting a large number of tourists |
| Japan | Nagasaki’s “Lantern Festival” is deeply influenced by Chinese culture |
As an important part of traditional Chinese festivals, the Lantern Festival not only carries a long history and culture, but also radiates new vitality in modern society. Whether it is admiring lanterns, eating Lantern Festival, guessing lantern riddles, dragon and lion dances, these customs allow people to feel the true meaning of reunion and happiness in a joyful atmosphere.
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