"Shanghai's first huashen (flower goddess) festival kicked off at the Guyi Garden in Jiading District on Saturday, inviting residents to vote for their 12 favorite flowers. The ancient ritual of worshipping the Flower Goddess was replicated, with people wearing hanfu while reading blessing articles and putting flower lanterns into the river to pray for a good harvest and smooth year ahead. The tradition can be dated back to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) in China. The 15th day of the second month based on the Chinese lunar calendar marked the flower goddess festival in ancient times, said folk custom expert Zheng Shulin."
