The legend and story of the Lantern Festival, also known as the Fifteenth Day of the First Month, in English:
### Legend and Origin
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is traditionally held on the 15th day of the first lunar month. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, with different legends attributing its beginning.
One of the most famous legends is that of Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). It is said that he was out for a hunt when he came across a poor villager who was offering prayers for the safe return of his son. The son had been missing for three years and was believed to have been possessed by a spirit. The Emperor, touched by the villager's plight, ordered that a large bonfire be lit at the intersection of the village road to scare away evil spirits and to protect the villagers. As a result, the villager's son returned to the village safely. From that day on, the villagers started the custom of lighting lanterns on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which later evolved into the modern Lantern Festival.
Another legend involves the Goddess of Compassion, Guanyin. It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, a great calamity struck the land, and the people were suffering from diseases and disasters. To protect the people, Guanyin appeared in the sky, riding on a dragon, carrying a magical lantern. The lantern emitted a bright light that drove away evil spirits and brought health and happiness to the people. Since then, the Lantern Festival has been celebrated as a festival of protection and hope.
### Story of the Dragon King's Daughter
One popular story associated with the Lantern Festival is about the Dragon King's Daughter. According to the tale, the Dragon King's daughter fell in love with a mortal man and wanted to visit him in his world. However, her father forbade it, fearing that her presence would bring misfortune. One day, she sneaked out of the palace and met her lover in a village. To avoid her father's detection, she transformed herself into a humble girl with a lantern in hand. When her father discovered her whereabouts, he was so moved by her love and courage that he decided to let her stay with her lover. Since then, the custom of carrying lanterns has been passed down, symbolizing love and unity.
The Lantern Festival is celebrated with various activities, including lantern shows, dragon and lion dances, and eating sweet rice balls (tangyuan) to symbolize reunion and completeness. The festival also signifies the coming of spring and the abundance of crops in the new year.
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