Honoring age-old customs during the Lantern Festival festivities

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Honoring age-old customs during the Lantern Festival festivities
An exhibition of dragon dance.

How was the Lantern Festival observed by the ancient people?

Taiping Village hosted a unique event on Friday that recreated the lively sights of Lantern Festival celebrations and historical activities from Baihe Town of Qingpu District.

Traditional Lantern Festival fare, such as Yangfen porridge, was served amid vibrant lanterns and the loud noise of gongs and drums.

During the town's Lantern Festival celebration, eating the porridge is a requirement.

According to legend, the Jade Emperor, the highest deity of Taoism, was informed by the Kitchen God that the locals only had porridge to eat and led a miserable existence. The emperor then gave immortals orders to raise the standard of living for the populace. The porridge-making custom is a way to give thanks to the Kitchen God.

honouring the historic lantern festival customsTi Gong
A vibrant feast.

The town's children carried rabbit and dragon lanterns as they strolled across the Jijia, Zhangjia, and Wanjing bridges, carrying out the ancient custom of zousanqiao, or "walking three bridges."

The custom, which has its roots in the Yangtze River delta's southern regions, is said to banish sorrow and bad luck.

During the event, people also played jiuzi, or the "nine games," which are customarily performed in Shanghai longtang (lanes). Huju opera performances were held in addition to sizhu (traditional string and wind music) from Jiangnan (lower portions of the Yangtze River).

When residents prayed for a harvest in 2024 while engaging in fire-related activities, the event reached its peak.

honouring the historic lantern festival customsTi Gong Market kiosks

The historical and cultural heritage of Qinglong culture is preserved in the old Baihe Town.

The riverfront town of Qinglong Town prospered under the Tang (AD 618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties due to its strength in agriculture and international trade. The village received porcelain goods from all across China, which were then exported by way of the Wusong River. The key structures of Qinglong culture are still standing: the Qinglong Pagoda and Qinglong Temple.

The historic Qinglong Town was established as a harbour in AD 746, from which trade ships sailed to South Korea, Japan, and other foreign nations.

honouring the historic lantern festival customsTi Gong A kid-friendly dancing show