What does it mean to put lanterns on water in ancient times?

Setting off river lanterns (also often written as "lotus lanterns") is a traditional custom of the Chinese nation, which is used to mourn the dead relatives and bless the living.

The ancients believed that these lanterns would bring the blessings, thoughts and hopes of the living to the dead. In addition, river lanterns are also a form of blessing. Young scholars look forward to their future, while Barr girls look forward to their marriage. Or looking forward to children, or seeking peace, or wanting wealth, all thoughts can be written in lanterns.

In fact, the folk custom of putting river lanterns in Han nationality originated very early. Taoism was advocated in the Song Dynasty, and it was stipulated that river lanterns should be burned everywhere in the Mid-Autumn Festival to help the lonely souls, set off flames and perform lotus plays. Many poets left their jubilant poems on the West Lake in Hangzhou. Since then, the Lantern Festival has been held in July and a half, and it has become popular all over the country with the spread of Taoism and Buddhism.

The shapes and materials of river lanterns are different, and there are many patterns. Some of them look like watermelons, so they are called watermelon lanterns. There are also cordyceps lanterns, lotus lanterns and so on. But the lotus shape is the most common, which is probably related to the lotus blooming at this time.

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On the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival, take stock of ten places that are most suitable for putting river lanterns in China.

1, Haohe River, located in Nantong, is a traditional custom for local residents to light river lanterns to pray for blessings during Mid-Autumn Festival, Spring Festival and Lantern Festival.

2. Songhua River in Jilin is an ancient traditional folk custom and folk activity.

3. Zhouzhuang, located in Suzhou, lights lanterns with flickering candle shadows and puts them into the river, pinning acacia and praying for the future.

4. Wuzhen, located in Jiaxing, still retains the folk custom of setting off river lanterns, which is an important project to visit Wuzhen during Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese Valentine's Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.

5, two rivers and four lakes, located in Guilin, Guilin's two rivers and four lakes are known as the best places to enjoy the moon in the country.

Wanquan River is located in Qionghai. Every year, when the lotus flowers bloom on Wanquan River, a Magnolia Lantern Festival will be held, and the river lanterns will be watched in autumn, and tourists will gather.

7. Baiyangdian Lake in Baoding has various forms of lotus lanterns. Most of them sail on the lake all the year round, praying for peace for one year.

8. Fenghuang ancient city, located in Xiangxi, where river lanterns can be set off every day, full of blessings.

9. Sanhe ancient town in Hefei, thousands of river lanterns are shining on the river, which complements the night view of the ancient towns on both sides of the strait.

At 10, in Ziyuan County, Guilin City, tens of thousands of people went to Fengyuqiao to participate in the floating activities of river lanterns, praying for good weather, peace and prosperity on the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

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People's Network-Literature and History; People's vision "; Enjoy things appreciation plan: Let's put on the river lights tonight.

The Lantern Festival in ancient times, paid folk gods performed the Lantern Festival, pinning their thoughts on their ancestors.

On the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival, take stock of ten places that are most suitable for putting river lanterns in China.