Chapter 796: Three Flowers Gathering
The Shangyuan Festival had finally arrived.
Among the three major Daoist festivals, the Shangyuan Festival was the most significant.
First, the Shangyuan Festival was commonly known among the people as the Lantern Festival, which was held on the 15th day of the New Year. It was an occasion to admire lanterns and enjoy sweet glutinous rice balls.
Second, the Heaven Official would bestow blessings to the people on this day, which was a joyous occasion.
Third, the 15th day of the New Year was still within the festive period, unlike the Zhongyuan and Xiayuan Festivals, whose timing was far less favorable. This was especially true for the Zhongyuan Festival, which was also known as the Ghost Festival, said to be the day the gates of the underworld opened. That was completely devoid of any celebratory connotation.
For the Zhengyi Sect, the Shangyuan Festival held even greater significance.
The Three Officials—Heaven, Earth, and Water—corresponded perfectly with the Daoist Order’s Heavenly Preceptor, Earthly Preceptor, and Imperial Preceptor.
The Heaven Official aligned with the Heavenly Preceptor, who was the leader of the Zhengyi Sect. As such, the Zhengyi Sect regarded the Shangyuan Festival as their major holiday, giving it even more grandeur than the Zhongyuan or Xiayuan Festivals.
On this day, the entire Dazhen Mansion and the neighboring Shangqing Palace were adorned with festive decorations. Countless lanterns were hung on every lampstand, tree branch, eave, lantern post, and banner pole. Even before nightfall, the atmosphere was already vibrant. When night came and the lanterns were lit, the energy was nearly frenzied.
Many young children ran in and out carrying lanterns. The adults were especially indulgent on this festive occasion.
It also became tradition to eat glutinous rice balls on this day.