The title of the article from which I got my information is from "History of Lantern Festival". It was written by Risa Harada on January 11th of 2010. Click here to read this article:
http://www.lantern-festival.com/about-lantern-festival/history-of-lantern-festival.html
If you're clicking on this and it won't go to the website, it's because I've copied and pasted the link 5 times and it still won't go to the article ;D
http://www.lantern-festival.com/about-lantern-festival/history-of-lantern-festival.html
If you're clicking on this and it won't go to the website, it's because I've copied and pasted the link 5 times and it still won't go to the article ;D
Summary
This article delves into the possible origins and history of the Lantern Festival in three ways. The first belief is that Emperor Han wanted to promote Buddhism and after his loyal subject,"Cai Yin", came back from India on a religious quest he spoke of a tradition in the religion. Cai tells the Emperor that every year on the 15th of the first month the monks would gather to respect Buddha. Emperor Han followed the same practice by ordering "Enlightening for the Buddha" at various monasteries during the evening on that day. Another possible origin of this celebration says that the Lantern Festival originated from the Torch Festival. The Torch Festival was the time for people to make torches and drive away beasts and reduce pests. Seems similar to the Lantern Festival, but people use lanterns to light up the night. The Last possible origin is that the Lantern Festival originated from Taoism's "San Yuan Shuo". The San Yuan Shuo Festival occurs on the same date as the Lantern Festival, but the belief and principles of San Yuan Shuo are very different.
This article delves into the possible origins and history of the Lantern Festival in three ways. The first belief is that Emperor Han wanted to promote Buddhism and after his loyal subject,"Cai Yin", came back from India on a religious quest he spoke of a tradition in the religion. Cai tells the Emperor that every year on the 15th of the first month the monks would gather to respect Buddha. Emperor Han followed the same practice by ordering "Enlightening for the Buddha" at various monasteries during the evening on that day. Another possible origin of this celebration says that the Lantern Festival originated from the Torch Festival. The Torch Festival was the time for people to make torches and drive away beasts and reduce pests. Seems similar to the Lantern Festival, but people use lanterns to light up the night. The Last possible origin is that the Lantern Festival originated from Taoism's "San Yuan Shuo". The San Yuan Shuo Festival occurs on the same date as the Lantern Festival, but the belief and principles of San Yuan Shuo are very different.
Reaction
I think the Lantern Festival is a great tradition and celebration. People who partake in this festival are excited and happy. This is a great way to promote Buddhism since the popularity of this festival has spread all over China and to other countries. This tradition goes back over a millennial and it's still celebrated today, but the intentions or principles have probably changed since then. My overall analysis of the Lantern Festival is that the festival is a wonderful celebration.
I think the Lantern Festival is a great tradition and celebration. People who partake in this festival are excited and happy. This is a great way to promote Buddhism since the popularity of this festival has spread all over China and to other countries. This tradition goes back over a millennial and it's still celebrated today, but the intentions or principles have probably changed since then. My overall analysis of the Lantern Festival is that the festival is a wonderful celebration.
Ties
This article ties into the culture of China by going into the history and possible origins of the Lantern Festival. The festival itself was established by Emperor Han to promote Buddhism, so religion played a big part in the Lantern Festival. The term religion also plays as one of the major components of culture, so it made a big impact on the culture of China at the time. Religion and the colorful lanterns that were hung up during the evening of the 15th of the first month was very popular throughout Asia. Keep in mind the Lantern Festival is celebrated every year, so it definitely ties into the culture.
This article ties into the culture of China by going into the history and possible origins of the Lantern Festival. The festival itself was established by Emperor Han to promote Buddhism, so religion played a big part in the Lantern Festival. The term religion also plays as one of the major components of culture, so it made a big impact on the culture of China at the time. Religion and the colorful lanterns that were hung up during the evening of the 15th of the first month was very popular throughout Asia. Keep in mind the Lantern Festival is celebrated every year, so it definitely ties into the culture.