Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival ends the 15

day celebration of the new year. 

 That day is the first

night to see a full moon.

The Lantern Fesival has been a traditon for

more than 2000 since the Han dynasty.

During the night people...o  watch Lion and Dragon Danceo  play Chinese riddles and gameso  eat Yuan Xaioo  set off fireworks

 There is fun for the young and old.

Yuan Xiao

• small dumpling balls•  made of glutious rice flour

• filled with something     sweet or salty

Sweet Fillings• sugar• walnuts• sesame• osmanthus flowers• rose petals• sweetened tangerine peel• bean paste• jujube paste

Salty Fillings1.minced meat2.vegetables3.or a mixture of both

Origin1st legend

That the Lantern Festival was a time to worship Taiyi (the God of Heaven in ancient times. 

They believed that Taiyi controlled the destiny of the human world.16 dragons at his beck and call

He decided when to inflict drought, storms, famine, or pestilenceQinshihuang, the first emperor that united the country and all other

emperors after him, would order ceremonies each year.They would ask Taiyi for good weather and health to him and his

people.They believe it to be one of the most important celebrations and it

would last throughout the night.     

  

Origin2nd legend

TaoismTianguan is the Taoist God

for good fortuneWhich his birthday is the 15th

day of the first lunar month.He liked all types of

entertainment.So people that believe in him, prepare events during the time

 they pray for good fortune.   

Origin3rd legend

Buddhism first came into China during the time where Mingdi was the emperor in the first century. Mingdi had a dream of a gold man in his palace. In his dream he was about to ask the man who  he

was and he rose to the sky and disappeared in the west. The next day Mingdi sent a scholar to find Buddhist scriptures. When he

returned with the scriptures, Mingdi ordered that a temple was to be built for the Buddha.  The followers that believed in Buddha

can dispel darkness

1. "Chinese Festivals - Lantern Festival." Chinavoc.com. 22 May 2009 <http://www.chinavoc.com/festivals/lantern.htm>.

2. "Lantern Festival." Chinese Historical Society of California. 22 May 2009 <http://www.chssc.org/Festival/Lantern/Lantern%20Festival.htm>.

3. "Yuan Xiao Festival (Lantern Festival) The Official Website of the 16th Asian Games." 22 May 2009 <http://www.gz2010.cn/09/0209/18/51NSUKLM0078003R.html>.

4. "China's Lantern Festival, and an unfortunate ending - The Big Picture -." Boston.com. 22 May 2009 <http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/02/chinas_lantern_festival_and_an.html>.

Bibliography