The custom of lighting lanterns in Lantern Festival originated from the "three yuan theory" of Taoism; Shangyuan contains the meaning of the first full moon night in the new year. The origin of Shangyuan Festival is recorded in the miscellany at the age of five, which is based on Taoist conventions.
Taoism once called the 15th day of the first month of the year the Shangyuan Festival, the 15th day of July the Zhongyuan Festival, and the 15th day of October the Xiayuan Festival. At the end of the Han Dynasty, wudoumi Taoism, an important sect of Taoism, worshipped the gods of Tianguan, diguan and Shuiguan.
It said that Tianguan bestowed blessings, diguan absolved sins, Shuiguan relieved misfortunes, and three officials were matched by three yuan. It said that Shangyuan Tianguan was born on the 15th day of the first month, Zhongyuan diguan was born on the 15th day of July, and Xiayuan Shuiguan was born on the 15th day of October.
In this way, the 15th day of the first month is called Shangyuan Festival. Wu Zimu of the Southern Song Dynasty said in the dream of Liang record, "the first day of the first lunar month is the day of blessing from the heavenly officials of the upper Yuan Dynasty." Therefore, the Lantern Festival should be lit.
Legend in a long time ago, evil beasts and birds and animals around much damage, people would organize to play them, have a strong trapped for lost land, but rather to be informed of the hunter shot to death. After that, the emperor was immediately, ordered day soldier in regards to the earth on the 15th world, the human property all burnt.
The daughter of emperor kind-hearted, cannot bear to see people innocent suffering, he risked his life in danger, secretly sailed xiangyun came to earth, told the news to the people. They heard the news, as the head rang a JiaoLei.
Frighten didn't know how to do, for a long time, a man with a way, he said: "in the 14, 15 and 16 these three days, every family at home decorations, fireworks and firecrackers ring. Thus, the emperor would think people were killed.
You have all heard all nodded, separately prepare to go. At that night, the 15th day emperor looked down and saw a red light, sound that earth were three consecutive nights, so that is the burning flame to cuhk. So keep his life and property.
To commemorate this success, to the 15th of each and every family hanging lanterns, fireworks to mark the occasion. Therefore, it is the Lantern Festival
According to the Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate. At this time, people will try to solve the puzzles on the lanterns and eat yuanxiao (glutinous rice ball) and get all their families united in the joyful atmosphere.
