A Lonely Maiden:
Legend has it that Yuanxiao was a beautiful maid in the emperor’s palace. Despite her opulent lifestyle, she missed her family and desired only to be home with her family during Chinese New Year.
The God of Fire:
The story goes that she told the emperor the God of Fire visited her and told her that he planned to burn down the city. She suggested that the emperor should make the city look like it was already burning so the God of Fire wouldn’t bother them.
Lanterns & Firecrackers:
The emperor took the threat seriously and had the entire court and city put up colored lanterns and light firecrackers to mimic a great fire. The palace was so busy with the preparations that Yuanxiao was able to sneak home!
