FESTIVALS IN ANCIENT CHINA

In Ancient China, there were a lot of national festivals throughout the year. People gathered together during these festivals and celebrate lots of things. Some of them are still celebrated in China.

Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, has more than 4,000 years
of history. It is the most important annual event for Chinese people. It originated during the Shang Dynasty (17th - 11th century BC).

The Lantern Festival is a festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Spring Festival. It marks the final day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. People lit lanterns in honor of Buddha. This festival first came about during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD).

On the eighth full moon of the lunar year comes the Moon Festival. On this night, the moon is at its brightest. Friends and families gather together to enjoy the moonlight and eat mooncakes. It has been celebrated in Ancient China since the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC).

The Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians. This festival signals the shortest day of the year. Like the Lantern Festival, this festival also originated during the Han Dynasty.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional holiday, occurring near the summer solstice. Many people believe that the Dragon Boat Festival originated in ancient China based on the suicide of the poet Qu Yuan in 278 BCE. The festival has also been celebrated as “Poets’ Day” in honor of Qu Yuan, who is known as China’s first poet.