The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is celebrated with a variety of activities including eating sticky rice balls and viewing lanterns.

The origin of the Lantern Festival can be traced back over 2000 years to the Han Dynasty. According to legend, there was once a high-ranking advisor named Yuanxiao who invented a special type of round and sweet glutinous rice cake that is still known as yuanxiao today. On the 15th day of the first lunar month, he cooked up a batch of these cakes and distributed them to the poor as a way of spreading good fortune. In order to make sure that everyone knew that the cakes came from him, he had his name stamped onto them. The following year, in his honor, a festival was created that involved the eating of his cakes and the lighting of lanterns.

Today, the Lantern Festival is celebrated by people all over China. During the day, people will often visit temples to light incense, pray for good fortune, and make offerings to the gods. In the evening, families will gather together to eat a special type of sweet glutinous rice ball called tangyuan, which is often filled with sesame paste or red bean paste.

In addition, the Lantern Festival is famous for its lantern displays. People make lanterns in all shapes and sizes, ranging from traditional styles like dragons and flowers to more modern designs like cartoon characters and spaceships. These lanterns are often made from paper or silk, and are decorated with colorful patterns and designs. During the festival, lanterns are displayed throughout cities and towns, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.

Another popular activity during the Lantern Festival is the dragon dance. In this traditional dance, a group of people carry a long dragon made from paper and bamboo. They move in unison, swaying the dragon body to the accompaniment of music. The dragon is often adorned with bright colors and sparkling lights, making for a striking display.

Overall, the Lantern Festival is a time filled with joy, warmth, and happiness. It brings people together to celebrate the end of the Chinese New Year and to hope for a prosperous and peaceful future.