The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, is an important traditional Chinese festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. Here is an English translation of the origins and legends of the festival:
**Origins of the Lantern Festival:**
The Lantern Festival has a long history, with its origins dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – 9 AD). The festival was initially celebrated to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It was believed that lighting lanterns could drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.
In ancient times, the festival was also associated with the worship of the moon goddess, Chang'e. According to legend, Chang'e was a beautiful woman who was banished to the moon after consuming an elixir of immortality. People believed that lighting lanterns could bring her closer to the earth and bring happiness to those who celebrated the festival.
**Legends of the Lantern Festival:**
1. **The Moon Goddess Chang'e:**
As mentioned earlier, the most famous legend of the Lantern Festival is about the Moon Goddess Chang'e. According to the story, she was a beautiful woman who accidentally swallowed an elixir of immortality, which caused her to float away to the moon. The festival is said to be a celebration of her life and the beauty of the moon.
2. **Yue Lao and the Dragon King's Daughter:**
Another legend is about Yue Lao, the god of the moon. He fell in love with the Dragon King's daughter, who was sent to the moon to be punished for her sins. The couple was allowed to meet once a year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which is the Lantern Festival. People celebrate the festival by lighting lanterns, hoping to witness the reunion of the couple.
3. **The Great Emperor Han Wudi:**
The Great Emperor Han Wudi (156 BC – 87 BC) is also said to be the originator of the Lantern Festival. He was so enchanted by the beauty of the moon that he ordered lanterns to be lit in his palace to admire its splendor. This practice gradually spread to the rest of the empire, and the festival became a widespread tradition.
The Lantern Festival is celebrated with various customs, including hanging lanterns, eating yuanxiao (sweet rice balls), and watching dragon and lion dances. The festival symbolizes the joy of the spring season and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
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