上元 is the old literary and Daoist name; today people say
元宵节, and
上元节 is the fuller old form. It is the first of three
元 festivals, with
中元 on the 15th of the 7th month and
下元 on the 15th of the 10th. Folk belief says it is the day the Official of Heaven sends blessings,
天官赐福.