 The lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It is celebrated with round dumplings made of glutinous rice flour and filled with a variety of sweet fillings, known as yuan xiao, which is also another name for the festival.
 The fesdval has an in teresting historical background.In the Han Dynasty, according to historical records,when Liu Bang, Emperor Gao Zu, passed away, , his consort, sumamed Lu, usurped the throne and seized imperial power. Later, when she died, all her supporters were wiped out and Liu Heng, Emperor Wen Di,succeeded her on the throne. This event took place on the 15th day of the first lunar month. During the night of that day, Emperor Wen Di came out of his palace with his rank and file to celebrate his victory over his rival.wherever he went, there was a mignificent display of colorful lanterns and fireworks. Later, this day Was established as Lantern Festival.
 In modem times,when the day arrives,red large lanterns illuminated with candles are placed at the doorred also used to decorate trees and gardens. Rural people participate in various kinds of folk recreational activitits such as the lion dancing, dragon dancing and walking on stilts.
 When night falls,children can be seen showing off various colorful lanterns. A lantern show is most likely held at night from place to place. People can also view a splendid display of fireworks, try to guess lantern riddles,and savour an assortment of local snacks. On this occasion, the vast majority of people preserve the custom of eating sweet yuanxiao which promises a sweet life and a happy family reunion. Stilts walking, a recteational activity in rural areas, combines dance, drama, and physical agility. At this festival, performers act as folk heroes or perfom roles from popular dramas using various props.
People on this day indulge themselves in a world of lanterns and a sea of merriment.
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