Lantern Rite

Name: Lantern Rite · Region: Liyue · Type: Festival · Related Events: Version 1.3 Event - Lantern RiteVersion 2.4 Event - Fleeting Colors in FlightVersion 3.4 Event - The Exquisite Night ChimesVersion 4.4 Event - Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring BreezeVersion 5.3 Event - Springtime Charms

Lantern RiteDuring a bygone war, the people of Liyue illuminated the night sky with lanterns to serve as a reminder of the way home to their warriors and to never lose sight of themselves. Lantern Rite is an annual festivity to honor these heroes. This festival is held under the radiance of the first full moon and is celebrated over five days. During this time, people pray to bring peace and ward off bad luck. Liyue locals call it "bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new." Marked by rituals such as spirit warding and the release of lanterns, including the majestic Mingxiao Lantern and smaller Xiao Lanterns, the event symbolizes the guiding light leading fallen heroes back to Liyue. "May the flames of wisdom spread to all, and never be extinguished." The festive period leading up to the day itself is all part of the celebrations. The Lantern Rite Gala is where everyone gathers to watch the Lanterns float into the sky. The Lantern Rite is the main Liyue Festival, which is as important as the Windblume Festival in Mondstadt or the Fontinalia Festival in Fontaine.Related Entries:TraditionsThe Mingxiao Lantern is a symbol of unity and tradition in Liyue, representing the collaboration between heroes and the people to protect the land. Built with donated materials and effort from the community, it captures the festival spirit of unity. The tradition culminates in the lantern's release on the final night of the Lantern Rite festival. The central stone in the lantern, made of Plaustrite, determines its size. Plaustrite is crucial for Mingxiao Lanterns and when donated, the donor will write their heart's desires onto it, as a prayer for good fortune and other blessings. There are unique varieties like Azurite, found in the northern Mt. Tianheng, and Vermillionite, utilized by grounded Ruin Hunters in Guili Plains for flight. The lantern's design honors fallen heroes.The Xiao Market serves as a key attraction during the Lantern Rite festival, drawing visitors with various offerings. Vendors at the market play a crucial role during the Lantern Rite, showcasing the generosity of Liyue Harbor's business community in funding the Mingxiao Lantern without looking to make a profit in return. Although the Ministry of Civil Affairs covers most costs, citizens donate materials and make symbolic contributions at the Xiao Market, making it serve as a fundraiser for the Mingxiao Lantern as well. Despite the grand scale of the Lantern Rite, every well-meaning contribution, regardless of size, is appreciated, as it is believed to bring good luck during this significant festival. The festival brings out the community spirit, providing an opportunity to engage with the vendors and learn more about them.The Xiao Lantern holds a central role in the Lantern Rite festivities, serving as a vessel for people's wishes. There is no exact design for them, as each Xiao Lantern is unique and differs from person to person. The people of Liyue write their desires on wish sticks, which are then placed inside the lanterns before they take flight into the night sky, carrying the hopes and dreams of the community. Engaging in the tradition of crafting a personal Xiao Lantern offers a unique and memorable experience during the Lantern Rite celebration.Besides the lanterns, one of the traditions of the Lantern Rite is fireworks. Despite fireworks being commonly used in Teyvat, they have a long history and a deeper meaning connected to Liyue. According to Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, fireworks were originally developed alongside many other inventions in Liyue. When Liyue's ancestors first created fireworks, they were originally known as "Firecrackers." Their bright flashes and loud sounds were often used for warding off beasts or as warning signals to other people. In those days, it was difficult for people to contact one another while farming the land, so they would carry firecrackers with them to give signals when necessary. However, people's lifestyles began to change after Liyue Harbor was founded. They no longer had to travel out of town to tend the fields anymore, so the use of firecrackers for emergencies also began to dwindle. But through Liyue's local customs, the pioneering spirit of the firecrackers has been passed down to this very day. A lot of the fireworks used during the Lantern Rite were purchased from the Naganohara Fireworks shop. Yoimiya made them to order before asking Beidou to ship them to Liyue. Exports like these weren't allowed under the Sakoku Decree, but there can't be festivals without fireworks.Another Lantern Rite transition is kites. Although kites are one of Liyue's most time-honored cultural relics, outside of their use in certain ceremonies, they're considered "playthings" more than anything. A flimsy paper kite attached to a string has the capacity to touch the sky and also carries the weight of Liyue's cultural traditions. For example, whenever a kite blew away, people would say it was the Adepti that summoned the wind to take it away as an offering. That way, people can turn an unfortunate event into an auspicious one. Some people write down certain names or desires on their kites, cut the string, and let them fly free. Others may place particular thoughts or meaning into the design itself. Each design has its own meaning. Kites in the shape of a butterfly typically symbolize freedom, happiness, or the desire to break free. The scissor-tailed swallow is the most classic design, which symbolizes good fortune and joyful tidings. The Jade Chamber, the newest and the most popular design symbolizes wealth and abundance. The kite bearing its design is said to bring riches to those who fly it in the future."O kite borne of paper flying true and sound, a lone traveler wanders just waiting to be found, send them love, send them word, send them homeward bound."One more local tradition is gift envelopes. Every year during the Lantern Rite, people in Liyue make gift envelopes and give them to their friends and family, sending them their best wishes. In the past, people would buy ready-made envelopes and exchange them with their family and friends, but the Ministry of Civil Affairs has set up a stand for foreign tourists to make their own envelopes, and even those who are the least fond of books were getting in on the action. Each envelope can be stamped with Guyan Sigils, the symbol of Rex Lapis, which is believed to be used as a protective talisman. Every Lantern Rite, the Feiyun Commerce Guild sends gift envelopes to their business partners. The guild head, Xingqiu's great-grandpa, always writes them by hand as a sign of respect. His calligraphy is a sight to behold — so sharp and elegant. In the eyes of his partners, his envelopes are more valuable than any gift, they even frame them and put them on display.Another recent tradition is to give each other Fortune Coins issued by the Coinage Office with certain symbols. There are twelve designs in total, each engraved with motifs from the Guyan Sigils that represent different blessings. These coins are usually placed in gift envelopes, and if rubbed, they will bring good luck. One special coin is the "Rex Coin" with the symbol of Rex Lapis. It is believed that such a coin has passed through the hands of the Geo Archon himself and can bring peace and good luck, as well as serve as a protective amulet. Coins with the Sign of Vaisravana are used as a lucky charm to prevent disaster and bring favor and are quite popular with business owners hoping for peace and prosperity. Coins with the sun symbol symbolize peace and harmony, and the symbol of the cross represents growth, prosperity, and balance between heaven and earth. Coins with the peace symbol symbolize safe passage, and those with the yardstick symbol represent success. In addition, some coins can symbolize career growth, incoming riches, family fortune, and spirit and vigor.

All That GlittersThe deceased Adeptus Skybracer was commemorated as part of the Traveler's first Lantern Rite Festival in Liyue Harbor, chosen by popular demand at Yuehai Pavilion. The Mingxiao Lantern commemorating Adeptus Skybracer was highly anticipated as it features the largest Plaustrite in twenty years. During the Traveler's first Lantern Rite, with the assistance of Xiao, Kaeya, and the Millelith, the Traveler and Paimon successfully thwarted a laughable yet problematic plot involving the Treasure Hoarders. The criminal responsible was brought to justice and handed over to the Millelith. After Xiao was updated, he was invited to see the Mingxiao Lantern. He declined the invitation, expressing a disinterest in crowded areas, particularly during this time of the year. Despite having been informed that Skybracer is the featured Mingxiao Lantern, Xiao remained indifferent, as he views the event as a fleeting human creation that holds no significance for him. Traveler and Paimon brought Lantern Rite to him instead, and when he realized this, he sighed and expressed his inability to comprehend the peculiarities of human behavior. He escorted them safely to the city, expressing his observation of the carefree and joyful nature of the people, a contrast to his own experiences marked by slaughter and suffering. As he bid farewell, he mentioned his ability to hear all cries for help, prayers for peace, and wishes carried by the lanterns, whether they belonged to the Traveler or the people of Liyue.Related Entries:Fleeting Colors in FlightFor the second Lantern Rite the Traveler and Paimon attended, the Mingxiao Lantern was dedicated to two Adepti and was designed based on two paired fish. Alongside the beautiful Mingxiao Lantern, a fireworks show was also held to commemorate the festival. To celebrate the Lantern Rite, the Traveller and Paimon visited Liyue, where they met Ningguang, who explained the cultural and historical significance of fireworks to Liyue and their plans for the festival by incorporating fireworks. Thus, for the second Lantern Rite Festival, Liyue had made improvements to firecrackers to be used for the fireworks show to commercialize the tenacious spirit of their ancestors. The Ministry of Civil Affairs had placed fireworks displays all over Liyue and planned to set them all off at the same time at a certain point during the festival so that the sparkling lights could bring joy to people's hearts.Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, was responsible for the fireworks show. She asked the Traveler and Paimon to give gifts with her and promised to watch the show together. The Lantern Rite gifts were given to several Adepti who had contributed towards the progress of Liyue. They first visited Madame Ping, an Adeptus also known by her Adeptal name Streetward Rambler, and Yanfei, one of the best legal advisers of Liyue and a half-Adeptus, who was with Madame Ping at Yuehai Pavilion when they met her. They also made a gift for Cloud Retainer, who was coincidentally visited by another half-Adeptus, Ganyu, and Cloud Retainer's disciple, Shenhe. Cloud Retainer took a rather high interest in the fireworks launch tube, as the device had an original design and was aesthetically pleasing to the eye. She also informed Keqing and the Traveler regarding the whereabouts of Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver, who had most likely gone on a trip together.Finally, they met Xiao, the last remaining Yaksha, at Wangshu Inn, but he politely declined the gifts as his sole purpose was to focus on keeping Liyue safe. The reason for Xiao's attitude towards the Lantern Rite dates back to dark times after the Archon War when the lands of Liyue were plagued by pestilence and famine. Many Liyue festivals coincide with occasions where demons were defeated by Adepti. People started to imitate their deeds and stage exorcism rituals to remember their ancient heroism, with these practices eventually evolving into celebratory festivals. The hatred and residual might of many of the gods defeated by Morax throughout Liyue sometimes erupt with abnormal force amid their half-awake, half-dreaming state. Among them, the eruption that takes place during the Lantern Rite is the most extreme in scale. Xiao's mission is to perform the time-honored "Nuo Dance of Evil Conquering," and so he fights night and day during the Lantern Rite. Thus, he has come to hate it.Trouble reached the group as fireworks delivered to Qingce Village were stolen and Keqing teamed up with Traveler, Paimon, and their old friends, Xingqiu and Chongyun, and managed to obtain the stolen fireworks carefully and apprehend the Treasure Hoarder group responsible for the theft. Thanks to everyone's help, the festival was a success, and people of Liyue from each corner were able to enjoy a peaceful and beautiful fireworks show.The second Lantern Rite also highlighted the importance of balance between work and health. The lesson that if someone were to exhaust themselves, they wouldn't be able to enjoy the benefits of their hard work is brought up by several characters, such as Ningguang who was concerned regarding Keqing's health, Madame Ping and Cloud Retainer who advised Yanfei, and Ganyu to keep their health in check and Jiangcheng who noted that Keqing needs a well-deserved break. When concerns regarding Keqing were brought up, the Traveler and Paimon reached out to their good old friend Zhongli, the Geo Archon Morax disguised as a consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, hoping for advice using his great intellect and experience. At the end of their travels, the Traveler and Paimon, with the help of Zhongli, managed to convey this to Keqing successfully.Related Entries:The Exquisite Night ChimesThe third Lantern Rite, which the Traveler and Paimon attended, was dedicated to Sea Gazer and was celebrated as a music festival with the help of Dvorak, the organizer of the Iridescence Tour, rock musician Xinyan, and the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and the poet, Hu Tao. The late Adeptus, Sea Gazer, was known for his exceptional exploration skills and found many treasures that he placed in his abode. These treasures included the Fantastic Compass and the Sunset Vermillionite.Related Entries:Musical Lantern RiteThe history of the music festival dates back several generations, to a traveler from Fontaine, an ancestor of Dvorak. Once, as a traveler was wandering through Liyue, he slipped and fell into a lake, but as he was sinking and gasping for breath, he heard a wondrous tune in the air. They say it was the most beautiful, moving melody he had ever heard. Even in that life-and-death moment, the ethereal music seized his full attention and almost made him forget the fact that he was drowning. When he finally came to, he found that he had already been brought ashore. Not too far from him stood an unfamiliar woman with an almost divine aura. Once she saw that he was no longer in danger, she left without a word. The traveler tried to run after her to show his gratitude. But although a mere dozen paces separated them, no matter how quickly he gave chase, he drew no closer and remained a dozen paces behind. In the end, all he could do was to bow in thanks to the woman as he watched her walk away towards the rivers and mountains in the distance, before at last he turned around and made his way home. Once he returned to Fontaine, he began to learn an instrument, so that he could spread his story far and wide, just like the bards. After generations of retelling, embellishing, and dramatizing, people have come to think of that lady as something like a fairy. The story became something of a local legend in Fontaine, commonly known as "The Lady Overlooking the Lake." They now say that if you go down to the lakeside and play an instrument, so long as you play a pleasing melody, you will hear a fairy lady, who is hiding out of sight, playing along with you.Many years later, Dvorak, the traveler's descendant, wanted to find out the truth of this tale. He decided to retrace his ancestor's steps and search for that lady's modern-day descendants. He spent many years on the road, and the wish that he had spent half his life chasing after had become something of an obsession. Once, Dvorak prayed for the Anemo Archon's guidance in the Mondstadt Cathedral, and as soon as he set foot back outside the front gate, he noticed a cluster of leaves being blown in the wind, further and further west, towards Stone Gate. A friendly local told him that this meant the wind was guiding him in the direction of Liyue, so Dvorak followed their advice and made his way there.With the help of the Traveler, Paimon, and Cloud Retainer, Dvorak found out that the lady who saved Dvorak's ancestor was the Streetward Rambler, who was mourning her friend Guizhong. Once upon a time, Streetward Rambler had also loved gatherings, liquor, and music, but after Guizhong passed, she preferred her own company. She could often be found sitting alone at a mountain summit, contemplating and reminiscing with her zither. The music would go from mournful, to soothing, to impassioned. Many years passed before she finally composed a melody to her satisfaction. In celebration, she played the tune to the clouds. Regrettably, she only played that tune once."Though the strings that played that melody survive, the one who inspired it is gone. Tell me, Cloud Retainer... when the one attuned to my soul is no longer here, who else could hope to understand this tune?"It was this melody that captivated Dvorak's ancestor and became a legend for several generations. The story of Dvorak's ancestor and Streetward Rambler inspired Dvorak to organize the Iridescence Tour, one of Fontaine's largest music festivals in Liyue as the Iridescence Tour: Lantern Rite. It was Dvorak who turned one of the Lantern Rites into a musical festival, where modern and classical music was merged. At the end of the Lantern Rite, as Dvorak is finishing his piece, Streetward Rambler anonymously joined him by playing her melody, which inspired the creation of the music festival.Related Entries:Hu Tao's MeetingDuring this Lantern Rite, the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao, organized a meeting to look at the lanterns soaring into the sky, to say goodbye to the past and joyfully embrace the present. Hu Tao invited her friends to the feast: Xiangling, Chongyun, and Xingqiu; her consultant Zhongli, and the special guest — Adeptus Xiao. During the feast, Chongyun, an exorcist, said that Xiao had always been an example for him since the exorcists' clan had worked together with the Demon Slayer for centuries. In addition to the exorcists, members of the Funeral Parlor also worked alongside the Great Yakshas. In the time of the Archon War, disputes were frequent, and disaster overtook the land. Humans couldn't escape from the torment of the plague, nor could they escape death. The Adepti vanquished the demons, the Milleliths fought valiantly, and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was responsible for purifying the diseased and sending off the spirits of the dead. This is how the border between life and death was maintained during the war, and it effectively prevented further incidents from happening.Suddenly Venti arrived at their meeting, an old acquaintance of Xingqiu, whom he met at the Irodori Festival in Inazuma, and a friend of the Traveler and Paimon. Xiao reported that while patrolling Dihua Marsh, he met Venti, who was putting on a performance there. It was Venti's music that once saved Xiao when he was ready to give up on karma and suffering. This touching melody made Xiao feel relaxed and at ease. It turned out that Venti learned about the Lantern Rite Musical Festival in Liyue and could not resist the temptation to attend it.Zhongli and Venti, the Geo Archon Morax and the Anemo Archon Barbatos, skillfully played their roles as a Funeral Parlor consultant and a simple bard, who were strangers to each other and to Xiao. They recalled previous stories: how Zhongli once ordered tea with the most complex name at a Mondstadt tavern; and how in Mondstadt they speak of a bard with exquisite taste. Venti and Hu Tao became close over their love of poetry, which led them to later jointly organize a Poetry Gala in which the residents of Mondstadt and Liyue participated.During the meeting, Hu Tao decided to give the honor of lighting the incense to the most honored guest. The ritual of burning incense was supposed to bring growth and prosperity to all endeavors in the new year. After numerous discussions about the honorable role, all the guests chose Paimon, who was familiar with everyone present. Others saw Paimon as the best companion of the Traveler and the key to the success of their travels, so it was she who was given the honor of lighting the incense.Related Entries:Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring BreezeThe theme of the fourth Lantern Rite Festival that the Traveler and Paimon attended was "Kites." The Qixing believed it would benefit Liyue to build on their own cultural foundation by embracing the technologies of other nations, so they decided to combine Liyue's traditional art of kite-making with Fontaine's "Mechanical Vertical Lifting Device." Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, invited Charlotte, the reporter of The Steambird, to discuss this cooperation between the two nations.The Ministry of Civil Affairs hosted a kite-flying contest on the night of Lantern Rite. Cloud Retainer, the Adeptus who lives in Liyue Harbor under the alias Xianyun, has been entreated to share her kite-making expertise with the "youths." Cloud Retainer's Adeptal friends, Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper, were lonely without her in Jueyun Karst, so they visited Liyue Harbor in disguise. They took mortal forms to blend with people as and. At first, Paimon confused them with the Treasure Hoarders, but Adepti proved their true identities by telling stories about how Mountain Shaper uses Cloud Retainer's Supreme Cuisine Machine to cook but hides it every time when his friends visit him; and how Mountain Shaper had to be saved from a group of youths when he went to Liyue to get karst crawlers' seeds from Streetward Rambler. It appeared that Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper were worried that Cloud Retainer would shut herself away, refuse all company, and bury herself in the study of her own creations to surpass the "Mechanical Vertical Lifting Device."The Yaksha Menogias, also known as General Kapisas, was commemorated during this Lantern Rite. The Mingxiao Lantern was designed as the ape-like Yaksha, who is wearing a mask of wrath and rage, with the power to subdue all demons, regardless of from whence they come. Although Menogias was most famous for being a deadly Yaksha warrior, he was also well-versed in clothing design and tailoring. Menogias's friends, Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper, remembered that he was so skilled in matters of craftsmanship, that kite-making would scarcely prove to be a test of his capabilities. Were he yet amongst the living, he could have opened a kite stall, which would have been an establishment rich not only in profit but also in esteem. And if, as in the past, he was unable to involve himself in matters of the mortal realm, Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper could sell the kites in his stead. Thus, talking about how they would celebrate success together in wonderful company with wine, the Adepti were content with joyful memories and enjoyed the beauty of Liyue Harbor for Menogias.While choosing the kites for a kite-flying contest, Traveler and Paimon met a friendly guard of the Sword and Strongbox Secure Transport Agency, Gaming, and later invited him to the kite-making lesson, which Shenhe, Ganyu, Yaoyao and Cloud Retainer's disciple, Shuyu, also attended. Before leaving, Gaming said:"A kite is always tied down no matter how far it flies or how high it soars. Its tether prevents it from ever truly flying free."Ganyu suggested, that he could have seen himself reflected in kites, but Shenhe noted:"If I were a kite, I would cherish that tether as a symbol of kinship and the bonds that tie us, and...It may be an exceedingly slim and distant connection, but lose it, and you lose that which links you to home."After the lesson, Traveler and Paimon told Xianyuan about the troubles that Gaming had with his father, Yip Tak. Gaming's father wanted his son to follow his path and work on a family tea business. However, Gaming's true passion was Wushou Dance originated in Chenyu Vale. With the help of her disciples and Adeptal friends, Xianyun came up with a plan to reconcile Gaming with his father. She made Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper "attack" Gaming when he was accompanying his father to Liyue Harbor to lure Yip Tak and to give him a demonstration of familial love. They also met Zhongli, who was testing different kites for the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao. Yip Tak and Zhongli immediately found a common language, and Zhongli helped Gaming's father understand his son better and suggested loosening his hold a little."As my friend once said, if your children are aiming for the stars... clipping their wings will only cause them to come crashing down. You need to let out the line for a kite to soar."Although the plan didn't go as Xianyun expected, Yip Tak realized that he missed his son deeply.With Xianyun's blessing, Gaming performed a Wushou Dance on the surface of the water during the Lantern Rite night. Yip Tak, who saw his son's performance, was proud of his son and finally changed his mind about Gaming's profession. The Lantern Rite showed everyone the importance of the connection with the family."What I mean to say is, of course it'll be difficult... But if that's your decision, if that's your dream, then it doesn't matter how difficult it is. As long as you put in the work, then any obstacle can be overcome in time.""Much like this kite, you also deserve to soar to new heights."Except for Charlotte, Navia, Clorinde, Furina, and even Neuvillette attended the Lantern Rite Festival in Liyue as well. During the festival, Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, gave Charlotte, who was a huge part of this Lantern Rite celebration and Xianyun's plan, a kite with a poem on it that she wrote herself:"Dreams are like paper kites, with them do our hopes take flight, sailing high above the clouds, they yearn for something more profound, yet try we may and try we might, a deeper truth waits in plain sight, though we hang our hopes in skies abound, many joys lie on the ground."Related Entries:Springtime CharmsEight Adepts and The Sanctification of Tao DouThe main theme of the fifth of the Traveler and Paimon's Lantern Rite was the Eight Adepts and the Sanctification of Tao Dou. During the Archon War, there was a divine mountain in Liyue with a giant tree on its summit. This tree was a god named "Tao Dou," originally known as "Bune." Back then, people thought that behind Tao Dou was the realm of the dead, and if you committed grave sins in life, your soul would be unable to pass beyond that tree and into the afterlife. About two to three thousand years ago, the Eight Adepts rose up — eight people and beasts who laid down a great magic array to purify Tao Dou. He cared greatly for all living things and volunteered to sanctify himself to pacify the underworld. Without the god's will not even eight Adepti would have been able to overpower him, much less the Eight Adepts. Tao Dou was sealed in a secret palace in the Qingce Mountains called the "Hidden Palace of Zhou Formula" along with other evil spirits, and the palace itself was enchanted using the Seven-Eight Gates method. After that, Tao Dou's remains sank into the Ley Lines and became a border, separating the living of Liyue from the dead in Liyue. The mortals continued to preserve and maintain the god's new form for thousands of years.Among the Eight Adepts, there were three joined forces: the Three Hermits of Guizang, the Two Sages of Lianshan, and the Three Beasts of Tao Dou. Although they possessed powers comparable to those of the Adepti, many of them were ordinary mortals. One of the hermits was called "Wind Reader," he came from the Twelve Tribes of the Chenyu Vale, and his descendants became the founders of the Lan clan and the ancient art of Qimen Divination. The second hermit mastered the art of fishing with a rod and line, and became known to the people as the "Yunlai Angler." It is believed that the Yunlai Swordsmanship that the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, Keqing, uses was based on the Yunlai Angler's rod-wielding techniques. The third hermit was the Wuwang Kid, also known as Old Man Wuwang. According to legend, he always presented himself in child form and was a master of Qihuang sigils, which he used to catch demons, heal disease, and protect lives from the encroaching presence of death. The Lianshan Sages included Sage Hu, a master of gourd crafts, and Sage Jian, an expert in bronze mirrors. Little is known about them, but they were known to have mastered the secret art of Lianshan, earning them the title of the Two Sages of Lianshan. A hidden palace is located deep in the mountains south of the Stone Gate. It is believed to be where they retreated for cultivation. The Three Beasts of Tao Dou, also known as the Three Immortals of Tao Dou, lived on the mountain where the divine tree grew. They were known as the Lone Butterfly of the Crimson Flame, the Jade-Plumedand the Gold-Eyed Celadon Mare. These were three auspicious beasts, all with the power to take on human form. During Tao Dou's purification ceremony, the Lone Butterfly sacrificed herself, Silverwing and Wind Reader traveled together, and the white horse went to live in seclusion in the Qingce mountain range. Although they all had remarkable powers, purifying a god of Tao Dou's caliber was no mean feat. They had to use the secret art of the Seven-and-Eight-Gates Array, which involved obfuscating one of the gates so that evil couldn't escape. The Lone Butterfly was in charge of the hidden gate that was chosen to be obfuscated, and so she disappeared from the world in the process. According to legend, Old Man Wuwang looked up to her a lot, took up her mantle, and kept her legacy alive, passing it on to the founders of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Thus, the Butterfly sacrificed her life to restore order to the realm of the dead, some chance meetings ensured that future generations continued using her methods to guard the border between life and death. Although she disappeared from the world, her mission to protect Liyue is still alive and well, thousands of years on."Red shall three bloodlines in the Bishui flowThe bones of eight heroes don frost and snowMoon-graced by skiff my hook-blade I claimAs a pillar in the waters let it remainThe clashing blades like seafoam passEach one their end fate will decideBut you, Tao Dou, shall be cast downYour body and soul shall not abideCavalry gold and iron marchHearts stone-set on heaven's archDown starward street their mortal strideAnd onward into myth they rideFor death stains not the virtues pureAnd eastward flow vicissitudes sure.Names shall fade, hope's flame endures."Related Entries:Seven-and-Eight-Gates ArrayA month before the Lantern Rite, the Ministry of Civil Affairs became aware of an unusual illness affecting the elderly of Qingce. The symptoms of all the patients were accelerated aging. A couple of weeks later, Hu Tao, the director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, reported a possible disturbance at the border separating the world of the living and the dead, so the Ministry launched an investigation and discovered problems on Wuwang Hill. Twelve years ago, there was an incident at the border, and Hu Tao's father, the director of the funeral parlor at the time, tried to use the special Art of Homa to burn away the fetor seeping through the border, he slipped up and suffered a lethal exposure to it. His mistake didn't just cost him his own life — it took most of the village out and left lasting changes on Wuwang Hill itself. Twelve years later, his daughter went to eliminate the fetor from entering the world of the living but was stuck on the border. The zombie, Qiqi, who was gathering herbs on Wuwang Hill, and Lan Yan from Chenyu Vale, who had gone after Hu Tao, were trapped with her. Every time Director Hu found a way out of the border, it would change. Only with the help of the Conqueror of Demons and the Traveler, who was sent to save Hu Tao by the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, Ningguang, did the three return to the world of the living.Hu Tao realized that the situation at the border was getting much worse, and simply burning the fetor away was not enough, so she suggested using the Seven-and-Eight-Gates Method. The eight gates refer to eight key nodes in Liyue's Ley Lines: Life, Death, Repose, Concealment, Initiation, Terrain, Fright, and Injury. They can be used to direct the Ley Lines' energy. The seven gates are the requirement for activating the array. The array master will select one gate from the eight to subdue evil, cutting off its exit path by using the Ley Lines' power to obfuscate themselves. The gate would disappear from the Ley Lines completely, never to be seen again — taking the banished evil along with them. Although traditional interpretations said that someone had to sacrifice themselves for the ritual to work, Hu Tao insisted that as long as the master could withstand the powerful release of the fetor, everything would be fine.In order to prepare for the ritual, the Liyue Qixing sought out all Eight Gates. As the state of the Ley Lines is intricately linked to human activity, the gates' locations are subject to change over time. The Gate of Life, which symbolized growth, prosperity, and revitalization, was located at Yilong Wharf, and the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing Keqing, the heir to the Feiyun Merchant Guild Xingqiu, and the exorcist Chongyun were sent to protect it. The Gate of Concealment, a place of refuge, peace, and good fortune, was located on Mt. Aocang, where the Adeptus Cloud Retainer resided. The half-Adeptus, Ganyu, and the Cloud Retainer's disciple, Shenhe, were tasked with protecting this gate. The Gate of Fright, a gate of great misfortune, usually shows up in places filled with fear and desolation, such as the Guyun Stone Forest, which contained the remains of the ancient gods and demons defeated by Rex Lapis during the Archon War. This gate was assigned to be protected by the Crux Fleet Captain, Beidou. The Gate of Injury symbolizes wounds and loss, and is one of the three gates of great misfortune, along with the Gates of Death and Fright. That is why it appeared in the Chasm, where the Abyss spilled out thousands of years ago, and where the Milleliths and the Yaksha Bosacius sacrificed themselves during the Cataclysm 500 years ago. Since the secret worker of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Yelan, had encountered the dangers of the Chasm before, she was the one sent to protect the Gate of Injury. The Gate of Terrain, symbolizing fire, volatility, light, growth, and prosperity, was located in Dihua Marsh, so the best candidate to protect it was the Conqueror of Demons, Xiao. The remaining gates were the Gate of Repose in Qingce Village, where two volunteers from Bubu Pharmacy, doctor Baizhu and Qiqi, were sent to guard, the Gate of Initiation in Liyue Harbor, which Lan Yan and Ningguang remained to guard, and the Gate of Death at Wuwang Hill, where Hu Tao was supposed to be present."A butterfly dances in a crimson bouquet, for fear of the ominous rainfall that may soon show its face.With one last, lingering glance at that carmine hue, she lies among the petals in the garden of eternal rest, as she sets the floral incense ablaze....The lone butterfly left, but not without a trace. A fragrance remained, her butterfly's embrace."In order to distribute the load of the fetor among all the gates, rattan figurine master Lan Yan made eight rattan dolls in the form of Hu Tao and gave them to everyone who defended their gate. Lan Yan wanted to give the last figurine to the Traveler, but she was unable to connect them to the Ley Lines since the Traveler is a Descender and information about them is not contained in Irminsul and the Ley Lines. When Ningguang announced the beginning of the Lantern Rite, Hu Tao's ritual began during the performance of the opera singer, Yun Jin. During the ritual, Director Hu realized that she would not be able to survive, but still continued to complete what she started to save Liyue. When Hu Tao was already on the border of life and death and met her deceased father and grandfather, she was suddenly saved by the Traveler. Thanks to the advice of Rex Lapis, the Traveler realized that if they could not connect to the Ley Lines, then when the Gate of Death was closed, the Ley Lines would not be able to destroy them, and there would be no need for a human sacrifice.As soon as the ritual was performed, the fetor disappeared from the world of the living, and all the sick people felt better. Even the master of the Feiyun Trade Guild, who was in a coma, woke up, was able to go outside, and began to eat a lot, which spoke of his health. Two days later, the Traveler woke up in the Bubu Pharmacy, where all their acquaintances came to visit them. Although Hu Tao was prepared for her death and gave fortune coins to all her friends and gave her plum branch to the Traveler as a farewell gift, she finally fulfilled her promise to dine with her friends at the Lantern Rite."As fresh festivities fill the streets, while lanterns light the sky like countless times before...I dwell not on the twists and turns of bygone years, but remember this: that with each new day, I receive the gift of life once more."

Trailers and Story TeasersVersion 1.3 "All That Glitters" TrailerJanuary 22, 2021"On this marvelous Lantern Rite, we pray that the fallen heroes may be guided home."Every single wish, no matter how small, is worth seeing to fruition.We will finally reunite with those we long for on a dreamlike night.YouTube: Version 2.4 "Fleeting Colors in Flight" TrailerDecember 26, 2021Where light can barely reach, a treacherous foe lies in wait in the shadows.In a realm void of sunlight, the remaining kindlings still burn.And where the sun shines, people's hopes spring eternal.These heartfelt wishes sparkle as bright as fireworks blooming in the sky.YouTube: Version 3.4 "The Exquisite Night Chimes" TrailerJanuary 6, 2023Sing, where the fireworks are in full bloom.Dance, where the wind sweeps the sand.Ancient melodies dissipate in the dreamscapes of memories.YouTube: Lantern Rite Stop Motion Animation: "Joyous Festivities"January 6, 2023"Happy Lantern Rite!"YouTube: Version 4.4 "Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze" TrailerJanuary 19, 2024Spring has come early, and in its wake a rising beast, gazing up towards the clouds against an auspicious breeze. Soaring up like wild cranes the harlequin kites ascend, while a stream flows back through a vale of hidden treasures.YouTube: Version 5.3 "Incandescent Ode of Resurrection" TrailerDecember 20, 2024The prophecy has proclaimed the price of life, but it has not extinguished the remnants of hope.The distance between the evening stars and the dawn is akin to the boundary between life and death.When the sun slumbers beneath the mountains, someone will ignite a flame to dispel the darkness.YouTube:IllustrationsLantern FestivalMarch 30, 2020Flowing through the abyssal night sky,Our stars shine deep within the sea.Upon this exuberant Lantern Rite,Pray for those gone before.Fun Facts No.4 - Lantern Rite Special EditionApril 14, 2020Travelers,With the end of the Lantern Rite, the curtains are also falling on this beta test. Though we do not wish to part, I believe that we will certainly meet again in Teyvat |｀･ω･)9Alright, let's see what interesting things this letter from the Adventurers' Guild has to say!Lantern Rite Fan Art IFebruary 12, 2021Couplets are made to rhyme just so — would you care to give them a go?Lantern Rite Fan Art IIFebruary 13, 2021"A long-suffering task makes the idle moments all the more precious." "Ehe~"Lantern Rite Fan Art IIIFebruary 14, 2021Snowmen are cold. Kittens are cute. Festivals make Qiqi happy. Very happy.Lantern Rite Fan Art IVFebruary 15, 2021Klee, you can light those fireworks you love so much now — just watch the fuse.Lantern Rite Fan Art VFebruary 16, 2021"Days like this make it all the harder for me to rest. Consider this last cup my treat. Drink it and go."Festive Fan Art - Happy Lantern Rite!February 16, 2021Ah, you finally made it. Happy Lantern Rite. I was looking forward to seeing you so much that I set off a little early... Don't worry, though. I haven't been waiting too long.This outfit... should be fine... Hey, on occasions like this, no need to treat me as a member of the Liyue Qixing, okay? Just treat me as Keqing.Alright. Time to have some fun. Where to first?Lantern Rite Fan Art VIFebruary 17, 2021Sweep your old frustrations and struggles out the door, and ring in the new year. Yup, everything has to be spotless!Lantern Rite Fan Art VIIFebruary 18, 2021May everyone's wishes come true amid the glow of a sea of Xiao Lanterns!Lantern Rite 2022February 6, 2022X: https://x.com/GenshinImpact/status/1490173407689732098Lantern Rite 2023January 27, 2023Just a while more! The last course is almost ready!Lantern Rite 2023January 27, 2023I think... I forgot something. Hmm, never mind. The fireworks are pretty.Lantern Rite 2023January 27, 2023Cloud Retainer said she made her specialty dish and told us to help ourselves.Lantern Rite 2023January 27, 2023Ooh, I have an idea! How 'bout fusing my rock 'n' roll with Yun Jin's opera for the next song?Lantern Rite 2023January 27, 2023Poof! Lady Yuheng, I knew it, you're still working. Come enjoy the festive season!Lantern Rite 2023January 27, 2023Thank you for your hard work, Adeptus Xiao. Please excuse my lack of hospitality and accommodation.Lantern Rite 2023January 27, 2023Whoa, you two are really good at cards! Come challenge me for a duel later!Lantern Rite 2024February 9, 2024*ahem* One is not late, is one? One was slightly carried away while partaking in the festivities, and almost lost track of the time...The last time we had a meal together was out the front of one's abode. One believes that this is the first time we've had such a gathering in the city since one has taken mortal form.Since Streetward Rambler is acting as our most generous host today, one feels that it would only be proper to contribute a dish or two as well... behold, the Supreme Cuisine Machine!Lantern Rite 2024February 15, 2024This couplet's for none other than our illustrious Captain Beidou. Naturally, I would have to think of something extraordinary.Lantern Rite 2024February 15, 2024Food's ready! Relax, Chongyun — this dish isn't spicy in the slightest. Try it and you'll see!Lantern Rite 2024February 15, 2024One's Supreme Cuisine Machine makes cooking a breeze, so let one know if there's anything else you'd like.Lantern Rite 2024February 15, 2024That special time of year has descended upon us once more. Let us enjoy the enchanting sights of the Lantern Rite together.Lantern Rite 2024February 15, 2024It's not often that I get to let my hair down like this, so no discussion of business tonight. Are these snacks to your liking?Lantern Rite 2024February 15, 2024Dr. Baizhu, can you keep up with us? Yaoyao, let's wait for him here.Lantern Rite 2024February 15, 2024Thanks for coming to watch my performance! Let's all have a midnight snack together after the show!Lantern Rite 2025January 1, 2025It's almost time to set off for Liyue Harbor and start preparing for the Lantern Rite street fair.This will be my first trip to Liyue Harbor... Should I bring some specialties from Chenyu Vale as gifts?Lantern Rite 2025January 28, 2025Hey there! Xiangling and I are about to see who has the best stash of New Year's greetings. Perfect timing — you can be our judge~ I'll start: May you prosper!""Then I'll go with... Abundance year after year! Oh, Guoba wants to join us too?""♪~♪♪♪♪!""Aha, Guoba just stole my line! Alright, then I wish everyone a new year full of shining luck and breezy success!"