2024年2月27日发(作者：)

元宵节英语手抄报内容资料简短

1. Introduction to the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuanxiao Festival, is a traditional

Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first month in the lunar calendar.

It marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The festival is widely known

for its beautiful lantern displays, traditional performances, and delicious glutinous

rice dumplings called yuanxiao.

2. History and Legends

• The Lantern Festival dates back over 2,000 years and has a rich

history rooted in Chinese folklore.

• One popular legend associated with the festival is the story of the Jade

Emperor. In ancient times, a heavenly crane stole medicine from the heavenly

palace, causing the Jade Emperor’s anger. To prevent the mortal world from

suffering, the Jade Emperor ordered a divine army to burn down all the villages

on the 15th day of the lunar year. However, a wise man advised people to hang

red lanterns, set off fireworks, and light torches to make it look like the villages

were already in flames. The trick worked, and the Jade Emperor’s army left

without causing any harm. Since then, the tradition of lighting lanterns and

setting off fireworks has become an integral part of the Lantern Festival.

• Another popular legend is the story of a beautiful fairy named Chang’e.

According to the legend, Chang’e drank the elixir of immortality and flew to the

moon, where she became the Moon Goddess. On the night of the Lantern

Festival, people look up to the moon and pray for good luck and happiness.

3. Traditional Customs and Activities

• Lantern displays: Beautifully crafted lanterns of various shapes and

sizes are illuminated and displayed in parks, streets, and public squares. The

lanterns often depict traditional symbols, animals, and characters from Chinese

mythology.

• Lantern riddles: Lantern riddles are an essential part of the festival.

Riddles are written on lanterns, and people try to solve them for fun. Solving a

riddle correctly often brings good luck.

• Lion and dragon dances: Traditional lion and dragon dances are

performed during the Lantern Festival. The lively dances with vibrant costumes

and loud drums are believed to bring fortune and drive away evil spirits.

• Yuanxiao: Yuanxiao, also known as tangyuan, are sweet glutinous rice

dumplings traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival. These dumplings are

usually made with sticky rice flour and filled with various sweet fillings, such as

sesame paste, red bean paste, or jujube paste.

4. Modern Celebrations

• Lantern Festival Galas: In major cities across China, grand Lantern

Festival galas featuring traditional performances, fireworks displays, and

cultural activities are held to celebrate the festival. These galas attract

thousands of visitors every year.

• Lantern Festival in Taiwan: Taiwan is famous for its extravagant

Lantern Festival celebrations. The main highlight is the Taipei Lantern Festival,

where enormous lantern displays are set up along the city’s riverside park. The

festival also features folk performances, acrobatics, and lantern-making

competitions.

• International Celebrations: The Lantern Festival is not only celebrated

in China and Taiwan but has also gained popularity worldwide. Many cities

around the globe hold lantern festivals to showcase Chinese culture and

traditions.

Conclusion

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuanxiao Festival, is a vibrant and

significant celebration in Chinese culture. It is a time for family reunions, joyful

gatherings, and the appreciation of traditional Chinese customs. With its stunning

lantern displays, cultural performances, and delicious food, the festival continues to

enchant people of all ages, both in China and around the world.