Wild Goose Pagoda Lantern Festival

Wild Goose Pagoda Lantern Festival

　　Lanterns, also known as "colored lanterns," are cultural products from China's traditional agricultural era, combining both practical use and artistic charm. The origin of lanterns dates back to Emperor Wu of Han, who set up an altar in the imperial palace on the 15th day of the first lunar month to worship Taiyi, the most revered deity of the time. As the ceremony lasted all night, lanterns had to be lit throughout the night to provide illumination—this marked the beginning of the Lantern Festival tradition; after Buddhism was introduced to China from India, the devout practice of lighting lamps in reverence to Buddha in Buddhism merged with Taoist immortal practices, resulting in a unique custom blending Eastern and Western elements: on the night of the 15th day of the first lunar month, cities and villages alike were illuminated with lights, and people from all walks of life hung lanterns.

Lanterns originated in the Han Dynasty, flourished in the Tang Dynasty, and became widespread among the common people during the Song Dynasty. Throughout China’s dynasties, the making of lanterns was highly refined, featuring a wide variety of styles. As the Ming Dynasty painter Tang Yin once wrote in a poem: “With lanterns but no moon, the joy is incomplete; with the moon but no lanterns, it’s not truly spring. When spring arrives, hearts shine bright as jade; under the moonlight, lanterns glow like silver. Streets teem with bejeweled village maidens, and the earth resounds with music in celebration of the gods. Without raising a cup in laughter, how can one fully enjoy such a splendid time?”