History

• There are multiple theories and legends surrounding the origins of the Lantern Festival. According to Cultural China, emperors of the Eastern Han Dynasty introduced the Lantern Festival in order to promote the rise of Buddhism in China at that time. The emperors heard that on this day, Buddhist monks would visit the cremated remains of Buddha's body and light lanterns as a tribute. The Han Dynasty emperors ordered lanterns to be hung in the palaces, temples and streets to honor Buddha. The Lantern Festival has undergone some changes during its 2,000-year history. Today, the festival celebrates family togetherness and unity, but it is still celebrated by hanging lanterns.
  
  

Lanterns

• During the Lantern Festival, lighted lanterns of all shapes and sizes are displayed, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The more elaborate lanterns sometimes depict Chinese legends, stories and cultural heroes to celebrate Chinese culture and tradition. Children make their own lanterns and carry them out in the streets.
  
  

Food

• The traditional food of the Lantern Festival is a dim sum dish called "yuanxiao" or "tangyuan." These rice gluten balls are filled with some combination of nuts, sesame, dried fruit, flower petals, bean or jujube paste, minced meat, vegetables or other foods and can be sweet or salty. The dumplings may be boiled, fried or steamed. This food symbolizes family and unity, making it an appropriate food for the festival. The word "tangyuan" is similar to another word, "tuanyuan," which means reunion.
  
  

Riddle Solving

• One common Lantern Festival tradition involves solving riddles. Lantern owners write riddles on slips of paper and attach them to the lanterns so that other festival goers can try to guess the answers. Sometimes if someone knows the answer to the riddle, they can go to the owner and receive a small gift if they are correct. The subjects of the riddles are often based on traditional Chinese poems, stories and events.
  
  

Entertainment

• There often are fireworks displays on the night of the Lantern Festival as well as dancing and drumming displays, stilt walking, Lion Dancing and other entertainment throughout the day and night. Some local governments organize large fireworks displays, and some families save fireworks from the Spring Festival to set off at the Lantern Festival.