Discovering the Zhonghe Festival: A Lost Chinese Tradition

The Zhonghe Festival is a traditional Chinese celebration that has largely faded from modern memory. Known as the birthday of the True Lord of the Sun, this festival was once observed on the first day of the second lunar month—right after the Lunar New Year festivities wind down.

A Historical Celebration

This unique festival traces its origins back to the Tang Dynasty, when Emperor Dezong officially decreed its observance. On this special day, families would gather to enjoy the occasion with a delightful spread of homemade snacks and seasonal fruits. These fruits, dubbed "fruits to welcome wealth and honor," carried an auspicious meaning, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune for the household. The celebrations were a joyful affair, with loved ones coming together to share in the treats and the festive spirit.

Blending with Bigger Festivals

Over time, the Zhonghe Festival’s prominence diminished, partly because it falls so close to other major celebrations like the Spring Society Festival and the Dragon Raising Its Head Festival, both held around the second day of the second lunar month. As a result, some of its customs—such as the preparation of special snacks—began to merge with these larger, more widely recognized events. Even so, the Zhonghe Festival often stretched into a two-day celebration, with the merriment continuing from the first day into the next.

A Glimpse into the Past

Though it’s no longer a widely celebrated event, the Zhonghe Festival offers a captivating window into China’s rich cultural heritage. Its focus on family, delicious food, and the hope for a prosperous future reflects timeless values that still resonate today. Rediscovering this lost tradition reminds us of the depth and diversity of Chinese festival history—where even a forgotten celebration can shine a light on the past.

Well done ! You completed a difficult task!!! Get your reward now!

Discount Code: losefestival