Han Dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE)
folk customs
National Heritage
active
The Lantern Festival marks the 15th day of the first lunar month, concluding the Spring Festival period. It is celebrated with elaborate lantern displays, lantern riddles, tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), and lion and dragon dances. The festival originated in the Han Dynasty as a Buddhist tradition of lighting lanterns to honor the Buddha, and evolved into a nationwide celebration of light, hope, and family reunion.
Stories & Legends
The Emperor and the Lantern Riddles
historicalDuring the Han Dynasty, Emperor Mingdi promoted Buddhism by ordering lanterns lit in palaces and temples. To make the festival more engaging, scholars began writing riddles on lanterns for people to solve. The tradition of lantern riddles (cai dengmi) spread throughout China, combining celebration, wordplay, and intellectual challenge into a beloved Lantern Festival custom.
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