Why do you hang lanterns during the Spring Festival?

Hanging lanterns in the Spring Festival is a custom, which is to "celebrate the New Year" and create a festive atmosphere, which can set off the atmosphere of the New Year. Generally, red lanterns are hung and Spring Festival couplets are posted on New Year's Eve. This is the custom of welcoming the Spring Festival. In some areas, lanterns are hung during the Spring Festival, while in others, lanterns are hung during the Lantern Festival.

There is a legend about hanging lanterns during the Spring Festival. On New Year's Eve, all the gods returned to their places, except Jiang Ziya, who had nowhere to go. Seeing that he was pitiful, the people lit a lamp at the head of the Gaoshe and let him spend the night under the lamp. Over time, the custom of lighting lamps has been formed.

In addition, people hang lanterns to drive away the legend of Nian beast. According to legend, there was a monster named Nian in ancient China, which was very fierce and even hurt people's lives. Later, it was discovered that Nian animals are afraid of red things, so on New Year's Eve, everyone hangs red lanterns, sticks red couplets and sets off firecrackers.

In fact, these are just legends. Hanging lanterns on Chinese New Year is just a custom. Red lanterns look very festive and make people feel better. At the same time, hanging red lanterns symbolizes family reunion and prosperity, and also symbolizes happiness, brightness, vitality, perfection and wealth. Of course, not all regions will hang lanterns on New Year's Eve.