The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It has a history of more than 2000 years and is one of the largest and most important festivals in China.[PPT超级市场
Origin of the Festival
The origin of the Lantern Festival is related to a legend about a fisherman named Nian Gao and a monster named Nian. In ancient times, Nian Gao and his family lived on a remote mountainous island. One year, a monster named Nian appeared on the island and destroyed the crops and livestock of the villagers every year. As a result, people lived in poverty and misery.😀PPT超级市场服务
One year, Nian Gao came up with an idea to make a straw lantern with the help of his wife and put it on the water to scare away the Nian monster. On the 15th day of the first lunar month, they made hundreds of lanterns and released them into the sea. The Nian monster was afraid of light and fire and did not dare to come close. People saw the lanterns floating on the sea and thought that the Nian monster had been driven away. They believed that this day was also the birthday of Gao's wife, so they called it "Yuanxiao Festival". PPT超级市场
Traditional Activities
Lantern Festival Gala
One of the highlights of the Lantern Festival is watching lanterns. On the evening of the Lantern Festival, people will hang colorful lanterns in public places such as squares and parks to create a magical and festive atmosphere. Some people also make their own lanterns at home to display them on the street or in their gardens after dark.PPT超级市场
guessing riddles
Riddles are an important part of the Lantern Festival. People often gather around and guess riddles while watching lanterns on the Lantern Festival night. Riddles can be guessed from books or lanterns, and some people will even compose riddles on site, creating a fun atmosphere full of intellectual challenges.PPT超级市场
eating yuanxiao
Yuanxiao, which means "sweet soup", is a traditional food for the Lantern Festival. It is said that Yuanxiao was named because it was first made by Nian Gao in order to celebrate his wife's birthday on that day. Yuanxiao is usually made of glutinous rice flour, sugar, oil and other ingredients, and has many shapes and tastes. Some are round like a ball, some are flat like a cake, and some are even made into animal shapes or fruit shapes. Eating yuanxiao is also considered as a symbol of family reunion and happiness. PPT超级市场
Cultural Significance of the Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival is an important festival in traditional Chinese culture, which symbolizes family reunion, safety and happiness. It expresses people's expectations for peace, prosperity and happiness in life. The Lantern Festival also reflects people's respect for ancestors and love for life, as well as their pursuit of beauty and art. In addition, it also promotes cultural exchanges between China and other countries, allowing more people to know about this festival and understand Chinese culture.😀PPT超级市场服务