The Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival is a significant traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, marking the end of the Spring Festival celebrations. It is filled with various interesting and meaningful customs, here are some of them:
1. Admiring Lanterns (赏花灯)
One of the most prominent customs of the Lantern Festival is admiring lanterns. Lanterns of all shapes, sizes, and colors are displayed everywhere, from streets and public squares to temples and private homes. They are often made in the shapes of animals, flowers, fruits, and even historical figures. Some lanterns are simple and elegant, while others are elaborately decorated with intricate patterns and colorful lights. In many cities, large-scale lantern exhibitions are held, attracting thousands of visitors. People stroll around, enjoying the beautiful lanterns and taking pictures to capture the festive atmosphere.
2. Guessing Lantern Riddles (猜灯谜)
Lantern riddles are an integral part of the Lantern Festival. Riddles are written on pieces of paper and pasted onto lanterns. People who are interested in guessing the riddles can take a piece of paper, think about the answer, and then go to the organizers to check if they are correct. If they guess right, they usually receive a small prize. This activity not only adds an element of fun and challenge to the festival but also showcases people’s intelligence and cultural knowledge. It has been a popular pastime for centuries, bringing people together and creating a lively and interactive atmosphere.
3. Eating Tangyuan or Yuanxiao (吃汤圆或元宵)
Tangyuan or yuanxiao is a traditional food specifically associated with the Lantern Festival. They are glutinous rice balls, usually filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste, sesame paste, or peanut paste. In southern China, they are commonly called tangyuan, which are made by rolling glutinous rice flour into small balls and then stuffing them with the fillings. In northern China, yuanxiao is made by dipping the fillings into glutinous rice flour multiple times to form a thicker layer. The round shape of tangyuan and yuanxiao symbolizes reunion and completeness. Eating them during the Lantern Festival is a way to express the hope for family unity and a happy life.
4. Dragon and Lion Dances (舞龙舞狮)
Similar to the Spring Festival, dragon and lion dances are also performed during the Lantern Festival. The dragon dance involves a long dragon, which is usually made of cloth or bamboo, and is manipulated by a team of people. The dragon moves in a rhythmic and majestic way, symbolizing power, strength, and good luck. The lion dance, on the other hand, is performed by two people who mimic the movements of a lion. The lion is believed to be a symbol of bravery and auspiciousness, and its dance is thought to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits. These performances are accompanied by the beating of drums, gongs, and cymbals, adding to the festive and lively atmosphere.
5. Setting Off Fireworks (放烟花)
Fireworks are an important part of the Lantern Festival celebrations. On the night of the Lantern Festival, colorful fireworks light up the sky, creating a spectacular display. The booming sounds and dazzling lights of the fireworks are believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck. Fireworks also add to the joy and excitement of the festival, making it a truly memorable occasion for people of all ages. In some places, there are organized fireworks shows, while in others, families and individuals set off their own fireworks to celebrate.
6. Walking on Stilts and Other Folk Performances (踩高跷和其他民间表演)
In some regions, traditional folk performances such as walking on stilts, yangko dancing, and rowing dry boats are also carried out during the Lantern Festival. People who walk on stilts wear special wooden stilts and perform various acrobatic movements. Yangko dancing is a lively folk dance, with dancers wearing colorful costumes and performing energetic steps. Rowing dry boats is a form of performance where people simulate rowing boats on land. These performances showcase the rich cultural heritage of China and are enjoyed by both locals and tourists.