Many believe that the Chinese lantern festival began during the first century to honor Buddha. The true birth of this ancient festival is shrouded in mythology and folklore. The origins of the festivities predate the arrival of Sidhartha Guatama. Like most other Chinese festivals, there is a story behind this festival.
It is said that there once was a petty god who prized above all things his goose. Upon visiting his favorite village, the god was separated from his goose. Since it was his favorite village the god asked every man in the village where his goose had gone. Finally a brave l