The subjects of these lanterns differ according to circumstances; the bearers are always accompanied by an orchestra. One sees a large lantern, on which are written enigmas, riddles, and puzzles, in almost every street. The passers-by are supposed to try their skill at guessing these puzzles, and those who succeed get as a reward some letter-paper, or some brushes, ink, fireworks, sweets, &c. When the problem propounded is some clever jeu de mots, or a comic answer is given, you can hear the whole street ringing with shouts of healthy laughter.
Formerly under the dynasty of the Hans, it was forbidden to be out in the streets of nights except during these feasts. On these occasions the bridge gates of the city remained wide open, and the padlocks of the bridge railings were unlocked all night.
Poetry has celebrated these nights of popular gaiety:
“The trees on fire and the flowers in silver form bouquets on every side,
And the iron padlocks no longer exist on the starlit bridges.
A fine dust pursues on all the roads the perfumed feet of the horses;
And the moon shining brilliantly, accompanies the walkers;
These for the most part belong to the radiant youth,
Who sing so joyously that one fancies one hears the celebrated melody of Lo-Mei-Hoa, or the fall of the petals of the plum-tree.
This night it is not forbidden to walk abroad,