The bright light of lanterns filling the night sky heralds the Lantern Festival, a joyous celebration. We celebrate the official end of this year’s Lunar New Year on February 24, which is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The Lantern Festival offers a special fusion of custom, celebration, and hope for the upcoming year with its colorful parades and imaginative lantern displays.
The history of the Lantern Festival dates back over two millennia to the Han Dynasty. Folklore states that the original purpose of the celebration was to aid celestial spirits as they made their way back to heaven following the Lunar New Year celebrations. It changed over time to become a celebration of prosperity, family, and unity.
“People have celebrated the Lantern Festival for over 2,000 years, but its origin is debated,” reads a Google doodle with a festive tone. Legend has it that when the lights were first set, the villagers employed them as a kind of defense for their town, despite the fact that many people thought they were sacrifices to the gods. When the Jade Emperor tried to put out the fire, the villagers used flashing red lights to indicate that the town was already on fire and that they were on their own.
How Do Things Get Done at the Lantern Festival?
Asian towns are transformed by lantern magic from dusk until dawn. These are a few ways that people commemorate this day.
- An ocean of lit lanterns: When clustered together in various forms and sizes, handmade paper lanterns cast a cozy glow across the night sky.
- Amazing displays: Huge lantern sculptures that depict mythological animals, cultural icons, and contemporary designs turn public parks and gardens into bright landscapes.
- Festive dances and music: The vibrant performance of lion and dragon dances to traditional music creates a joyful atmosphere.
- Sweets: Tangyuan, sometimes called yuan xiao, are customary sweets that represent family gatherings and reunions. These are balls of sticky rice with delicious pastes inside.
- Wishing upon a lantern: As a way to send their hopes and dreams skyward, many people write their wishes or riddles on lanterns before releasing them into the night sky.
Though the Lantern Festival originated in Chinese culture, it is now observed globally in a multitude of ways. The celebrations draw attention to the variety of lanterns.
There’s more to the Lantern Festival than just gorgeous scenery. Families and communities get together during this time to share laughs, tales, and delectable cuisine. It’s a chance to take stock of the previous year, let go of the bad, and look ahead to the future with hope and optimism.
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