**The Customs, Origins, and Legends of the Lantern Festival**
The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China, falling on the 15th day of the first lunar month. This festival is rich in customs, origins, and legends, reflecting the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese people.
**Origins of the Lantern Festival:**
1. **Honor to the Deities and Ancestors:** In ancient times, people believed that the 15th day of the first lunar month was the birthday of the god of lanterns. Therefore, they would light lanterns to worship gods and ancestors, seeking their blessings and protection.
2. **Welcoming Spring:** The Lantern Festival marks the beginning of spring, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. People would light lanterns to celebrate the arrival of the new season and pray for good harvests.
3. **Banishing Diseases:** According to legends, evil spirits and diseases were believed to vanish when the full moon of the Lantern Festival appeared. Thus, lighting lanterns and participating in lantern festivals could help keep away misfortune.
**Customs of the Lantern Festival:**
1. **Lantern Display:** During the Lantern Festival, various types of lanterns are displayed, including dragon lanterns, phoenix lanterns, and character lanterns. These lanterns are often beautifully decorated with patterns, poems, and calligraphy.
2. **Mooncakes and Sweets:** Mooncakes are the iconic food associated with the Lantern Festival. These round-shaped pastries symbolize unity, fullness, and the reunion of families. Other traditional sweets, such as rice balls and fruit tarts, are also consumed during the festival.
3. **Riddle Contests:** People often gather to solve lantern riddles, written on the lanterns. These riddles are usually based on literature, history, or daily life. Solving riddles brings joy and wisdom to participants.
4. **Fireworks and Firecrackers:** In some areas, fireworks and firecrackers are set off during the Lantern Festival to celebrate the occasion and drive away evil spirits.
**Legends of the Lantern Festival:**
1. **The Story of Chang'e:** One of the most famous legends of the Lantern Festival is the story of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess. According to the tale, Chang'e descended from the moon to earth to become the wife of a nobleman. When she returned to the moon, her husband, Hou Yi, released a magical bow to protect the moon. However, his archery skills attracted the attention of ten suns, causing chaos on Earth. Chang'e took an elixir, leading to her immortal ascension to the moon, where she remains to this day.
2. **The Legend of Yu the Great:** Another popular story is about Yu the Great, who is credited with saving China from a great flood in ancient times. After the flood, the people celebrated his victory with lanterns, which became a tradition.
The Lantern Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration that has been cherished by Chinese people for thousands of years. It is a time to gather with family and friends, appreciate the beauty of lanterns, and indulge in delicious foods, all while paying homage to the gods and ancestors and enjoying the arrival of spring.
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