One legend associated with the Lantern Festival is the story of Jade Emperor's favorite maid, Yuanxiao. One evening, Yuanxiao was walking in the palace gardens when she saw the emperor's favorite bird, the fairy bird. The bird looked upset, and when Yuanxiao asked why, it said it missed its family in the human world. Eager to help, Yuanxiao flew to the human world and reunited the fairy bird with its family, but in the process, she was trapped in the human world.
Yuanxiao wandered the streets, weeping, until an old man approached her. The old man revealed himself to be the fairy bird in disguise and told her that she was stuck in the human world because she was destined to light up the night with a full moon, and only then would she be able to return to the heavens. To fulfill her destiny, she needed the help of the people.
Yuanxiao listened attentively and came up with a plan. She asked the people of the town to make sticky rice balls, resembling the full moon, and light up the streets with lanterns to attr
act the fairy bird's attention. The plan worked, and the fairy bird rescued Yuanxiao, taking her back to the heavens. To commemorate this event, people continue to make and eat yuanxiao (glutinous rice balls) on the Lantern Festival.
Another legend associated with the Lantern Festival is the story of the Taoist god of fire, who is tasked with making the world warmer in the cold winter months. The god of fire, however, was clumsy and caused many accidental fires. One day, he accidentally set fire to a village, causing great panic. He felt guilty and decided to punish himself. He descended to the mortal world and turned himself into a small fireball, not allowing himself to go back to heaven until he had helped every household.
People were terrified of the fireball, but a wise old man suggested that they should make numerous big red lanterns and red banners to scare away the menacing fireball. They followed the old man’s advice, and the fireball left without causing any more harm. Since then, people began to light lanterns to celebrate the banishment of the fireball and to pray for good fortune and safety in the coming year.
The Lantern Festival is celebrated in various ways throughout China. One of the most iconic traditions is the lanterns themselves. Elaborate lantern displays are set up in parks, streets, and squares, attracting thousands of visitors. The lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, featuring traditional Chinese symbols, animals, flowers, and mythological figures. They are often made using delicate silk, paper, and bamboo and are illuminated by candles or light bulbs.
In addition to lantern displays, various cultural activities and performances take place during the Lantern Festival. Dragon dances, lion dances, lantern riddle guessing, and acrobatic performances are just a few examples. These activities and performances bring joy and excitement to the festival, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts late into the night.
One of the most popular activities during the Lantern Festival is guessing lantern riddles. Riddles are written on special lanterns, and visitors are challenged to solve them. If they guess correctly, they win a small prize. This tradition dates back to the Song Dynasty and
is loved by people of all ages. It is not only a form of entertainment but also a way to test one's wisdom and knowledge.
元宵节英语手抄报Another important tradition during the Lantern Festival is eating yuanxiao. Yuanxiao are made from glutinous rice flour and can be stuffed with various fillings such as sweet bean paste, sesame paste, or jujube paste. They are shaped into small round balls and boiled in water until they are cooked. Eating yuanxiao symbolizes family reunion and good luck for the coming year.
Overall, the Lantern Festival is an important and joyful celebration in Chinese culture. It brings people together to enjoy beautiful lantern displays, participate in cultural activities, and savor traditional foods. It is a time for families to reunite, for communities to come together, and for people to pray for a prosperous and peaceful year ahead. The festival embodies the spirit of unity, hope, and happiness, making it a cherished part of Chinese heritage.
发布评论