Lantern Festival
About This Festival
The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, it features beautiful lantern displays, solving riddles written on lanterns, and eating sweet rice dumplings called tangyuan.
History & Origin
The Lantern Festival dates back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. Emperor Ming of Han, who was a Buddhist, ordered that lanterns be lit in the imperial palace and temples to show respect to Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month. This practice gradually spread to the common people and evolved into the grand festival we know today.
Traditions & Customs
Lantern Displays: Elaborate lanterns of all shapes and sizes illuminate streets and parks
Guessing Lantern Riddles: Riddles written on lanterns for people to solve
Dragon and Lion Dances: Colorful performances in streets and public spaces
Eating Tangyuan: Sweet rice dumplings symbolizing family unity and completeness
Walking Under the Moon: Families stroll together to appreciate the full moon
Releasing Sky Lanterns: Floating lanterns into the sky with wishes written on them
Traditional Foods
Tangyuan (汤圆)
Sweet glutinous rice balls filled with sesame, peanut, or red bean paste
Yuanxiao (元宵)
Similar to tangyuan but made differently, traditional in northern China
Spring Rolls
Crispy rolls filled with vegetables and sometimes meat
Lettuce (生菜)
Symbolizes vitality and prosperity in Cantonese culture
Festival Activities
Viewing elaborate lantern exhibitions in parks and temples
Solving riddles written on lanterns for prizes
Watching folk performances and acrobatic shows
Eating tangyuan with family to symbolize togetherness
Photography of beautiful lantern displays
Children carrying handheld lanterns through neighborhoods
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