元宵节 The Lantern Festival

最早只是在皇宫中点灯祈福。
In the earlier times, those beautiful lanterns were only seen in the imperial palaces.

慢慢地演变成民间最盛大的灯节。
Slowly it evolved into a celebration on the grand scale for ordinary folks everywhere.

在元宵节前许多天，人们就开始忙着用油纸、绸布、竹子和花朵等材料制作各式各样的灯笼。
A few days before the lantern festival, people begin gathering oiled paper, silk cloths, bamboo sticks and flower to make all types of lanterns.

或者到热闹的灯市上挑选自己喜爱的灯笼。
Some people go to the lively streets to pick a personal favorite.

花灯的主题既有民间传说，又有节日习俗和各种吉祥物等。
The lanterns sometimes come in a series about certain folklore, holiday customs, or lucky mascots.

元宵节也是一个浪漫的节日。
The Lantern Festival is also a romantic holiday.

在封建社会时，年轻女孩不允许出外自由活动。
In feudal society, young girls were not allowed to go out freely.

但在元宵节晚上，她们却可以结伴出游观赏花灯。
But on the night of the Lantern Festival, they were allowed to view the lantern lights in groups.

未婚男女也常借着赏花灯与情人相会。
Sometimes couples would go on dates strolling down the streets lit with lantern lights.

如今人们依然会在元宵夜相邀一起去赏花灯。
Today people still invite others to view lanterns together.

在中国南北各地都有风格不同的元宵灯会。
Across China, the Lantern Festival is celebrated in many different styles.