As well as this, the upsurge of guessing lantern riddles, the riddles pasted on the colorful lanterns, people would win a gift if they guessed the right answer.ĭuring the Yuan Dynasty (AD1271-1368), most of the traditional festivals were canceled because the ruler was Mongolian, not Han. A drink was prepared for every participant, as the imperial court encouraged people to take part in the festivities. The festival developed into the liveliest carnival lasting five days. Some people created lanterns with a horror theme the judiciary at that time made laws universally understood through the picture stories on the lanterns and by implementing displays of punishment. The whole city was illuminated by the display of fireworks and the sea of lanterns.ĭuring the Song Dynasty (AD960-1279), along with the carnival every year, officers also sent red envelopes, all of the dignitaries and ordinary people enjoyed the night of the festival. More than 50 thousand crafted lanterns in various shapes were lit up on both sides of the street, with brilliant performances of song, dance, and acrobatic feats. Even the curfew imposed throughout the country was lifted during the 14th to the 16th day of the first lunar month, so it was easier to hold celebration events. There were more than 20 thousand performers and 18 thousand music players the street was bustling with a crowd of the audience throughout the night.ĭuring the Tang Dynasty (AD618-907), the country had become very powerful admiring lanterns became a popular activity. A four-kilometer stage was set up along the street from the gate of the palace to celebrate the festival. In the Sui Dynasty (AD581-618), the Lantern Festival was held on large scale as ordered by Emperor Yang (Yang Guang). Gradually, people in all classes decked out their homes with lanterns, and this Buddhist etiquette has also become a part of the customs in the festival. Emperor Ming (Liu Zhuang) gave orders to light lanterns in the imperial palace and temples to show respect to Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month, as he was a Buddhist. Admiring flower lanterns derived from the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD25-220). The Chinese Lantern Festival, traced back to the Western Han (202BC-AD8), was originally a traditional festival from the Han ethnic group.

Origin and Development of Chinese Lantern Festival

Chinese lantern festival