Festival celebrated in China and other Asian countries, and elsewhere by people of Asian descent; it marks the last day of the lunar New Year celebration, on the first full moon night of the 15th day of the first lunar month. The festival has its origin in the religious rituals of the imperial palace, dating to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). In time, the festival merged with other folk customs, such as lighting candles to honor Buddha or to pray for blessings on the holy birthday of Tian Guan. Customs observed in this festival symbolize family reunion and a blissful life.
