Festive Lantern Parade in Fengting
A thousand years of lanterns shining on Fengting so bright. A thousand happy people parading through the Yuanxiao night!
🏮Legends of the Lantern Maze
⭐Origins
In the year 1056, during the Northern Song Dynasty, the governor of Quanzhou, Cai Xiang, had a bright idea. He said, “Let’s make a lantern parade, just like the grand streets of the capital Bianjing!” People carried lanterns through the streets to celebrate good harvests and pray for gentle winds and smooth rains. From then on, the lantern parade became a joyful tradition, filling the town with glowing lights, music, and happy wishes.
⚔️Legend of the Dragon Lantern Repelling Invaders
During the Ming Dynasty, pirates attacked Puxian. The villagers had a clever idea! They hung lanterns in a long line, making them look like a giant dragon of light. At night, the glowing dragon scared the pirates. They thought General Qi’s army had arrived, so they ran away! From then on, every Lantern Festival, people parade with dragon lanterns to remember this brave trick and to thank the gods for protection.
🎉Good Reputation
In the Southern Song Dynasty, the governor Wang Shipeng went to Fengting to watch the lanterns. He was so amazed by the glowing lights and joyful crowds that he wrote a poem: “This is the hometown of famous ministers, and the place of great scholars.” His words praised the grand lantern parade, showing how bright and special the celebration was in Fengting.
🧠Quick Cards on Rituals & Traditions
Q: What's "Parading with Lanterns"?
A: It's a walking party with the coolest lanterns ever: Centipede Lantern — wiggly and long! Pine Tree Lantern — standing tall and proud!
Q: What happens during "Street Stomping"?
A: A street parade packed with action! Chest-Slapping Dance 👋 Money Drum Dance 💰 Hui'an Lady Dance 👗 Tong Shen Dance 🌀
Q: What's the coolest lantern at the fair?
A: 🥕 Turnip Lantern Carved from a real turnip! Means: "Good luck + new baby!" 🎭 Opera Acrobat Lantern Called: "A river of stars on Earth"
Q: How long does the lantern festival last?
A: Five whole nights of glowing fun! Starts on lunar January 13th and doesn't say goodbye until the 17th.
Q: What's the super-old, super-cool cultural town?
A: Fengting, Fujian — ancient charm, glowing bright!
🌟Next Lantern Festival, grab your friends and come along. Let's parade the streets, sing a happy song!
📚Resources:
Other information
Baidupedia
National Humanity History
People's Government of Fujian Province
Intangible Cultural Heritage