The Lantern Festival (also called Yuanxiao Festival) falls on the
15th day of the 1st lunar month, usually in February or March in the Gregorian
calendar. Yuan literally means first, while Xiao refers to night. yuanxiao is
the first time when we see the full moon in the new year. It is traditionally a
time for family reunion. As early as the Western
Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 25), it had become a festival with great
significance. This day's important activity is watching lanterns.
Legends
There are many different beliefs about the origin of the Lantern Festival.
One legend tells us that it was a time to worship Taiyi, the God of Heaven in
ancient times. The belief was that the God of Heaven controlled the destiny of
the human world. He had sixteen dragons at his beck and call and he decided when
to inflict drought,storms, farmine or pestilence upon human beings. Beginning
with Qinshihuang, the first emperor to unite the country, all subsequent
emperors ordered splendid ceremonies each year. The emperor would ask Taiyi to
bring favorable weather and good health to him and his people. Emperor Wudi of
the Han
Dynasty directed special attention to this event. In 104 BC,he proclaimed it
one of the most important celebrations and the ceremony would last throughout
the night.
Throughout the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), Buddhism
flourished in China. One emperor heard that Buddhist monks would watch sarira,
or remains from the cremation of Buddha's body, and light lanterns to worship
Buddha on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, so he ordered to light lanterns
in the imperial palace and temples
to show respect to Buddha on this day. Later, the Buddhist rite developed into a
grand festival among common people and its influence expanded from the Central
Plains to the whole of China.
Another legend associates the Lantern Festival with Taoism. Tianguan is the
Taoist god responsible for good fortune. His birthday falls on the 15th day of
the first lunar month. It is said that Tianguan likes all types of
entertainment. So followers prepare various kinds of activities during which
they pray for good fortune.
