The tradition of observing lanterns during the Lantern Festival has its roots in the early Han Dynasty and was further popularized during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty. To commemorate the prosperity of the nation, lanterns were strung together, their flickering lights representing "the radiant dragon zhaoxiang, symbolizing the mighty People's Republic of China." This tradition gained widespread popularity. During the Ming Dynasty, when Zhu Yuanzhang established Nanjing as the capital, he adorned the Qinhuai River with thousands of illuminated water lanterns. Additionally, Yonglechao erected a lamppost at Wumen Dali and created a "light city" outside Huamen, leaving a mark on Peiping with the iconic "dengshikou" street. Even after the establishment of the Republic of China, the lantern festival continued to be celebrated, albeit in a more commonplace manner. Fortunately, with the rising influence of Chinese culture, lanterns have found a vital place in home decorations. However, the materials used in lantern making have evolved over time, replacing traditional paper and bamboo with cloth, plastic, and iron wire. The shapes and colors of modern lanterns exhibit striking differences from their traditional counterparts.
In the past, temples were typically painted in a vibrant yellow hue, while lanterns varied in size and color according to personal preferences. These lanterns did not hold any specific symbolic meaning. Although their primary purpose was to provide illumination, lanterns also had other significant connotations. During the ancient school's commencement, which occurred in the first month of the year, parents would give their children lanterns that were lit by their teachers. This act symbolized the students' promising future and was referred to as "turning on the lantern." Over time, this tradition transformed into the practice of displaying lanterns during the Lantern Festival. Additionally, due to the similar pronunciation of lanterns and the Chinese phrase for childbirth, these lanterns were used to pray for the arrival of new life. During the period of Japanese occupation, patriots took the initiative to paint folk tales on lanterns, using them as a tool to educate their children and grandchildren about their own cultural heritage. This act imparted a sense of intergenerational transmission and cultural preservation to the lantern tradition.
The origin of lanterns has been a topic of discussion for centuries. One of the most popular theories claims that the tradition of hanging lanterns on the Lantern Festival dates back to the Eastern Han Dynasty era. It is believed that during that time, Buddhist monks would light lanterns to watch over Buddha relics on the 15th lunar month of the year.
Under the rule of Ming Emperor Liuzhuang, Buddhism saw an increased interest and popularity. As a result, he ordered that lights be lit in temples and palaces to pay homage to Buddha. This practice soon spread to the people, who began hanging lanterns in their homes and in the streets.
Over time, this Buddhist etiquette festival became a grand folk festival celebrated throughout the country. During Tang Dynasty's Kaiyuan period, people used lanterns to celebrate the prosperity and stability of the country.
The flickering lights of the lanterns symbolized the strength and unity of the nation. Since then, the tradition of hanging lanterns has become an integral part of Chinese culture, embodying the spirit of joy, unity, and prosperity. Thus, the history of lanterns is a testament to the beauty and richness of Chinese traditions that have been passed down from one generation to the next.