Happy Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival, as one of China's traditional holidays, is usually celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, marking the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The Lantern Festival has many traditional customs:
Eating Yuanxiao/Tangyuan: The most iconic food of the Lantern Festival is yuanxiao (or tangyuan), which symbolizes reunion and happiness. Yuanxiao is made of glutinous rice flour with various fillings, which can be sweet (like sesame or red bean) or savory (like meat). Tangyuan is also a glutinous rice dumpling with similar flavors.
Viewing Lanterns: During the Lantern Festival, many places hold lantern displays, where people enjoy admiring the lanterns and solving lantern riddles. Lanterns come in a variety of shapes and designs, with both artistic and cultural significance.
Guessing Lantern Riddles: Another traditional activity during the lantern display is guessing lantern riddles. Riddles are written on the lanterns, and people gather around to guess the answers, adding fun and excitement to the festival.
Dragon and Lion Dances: In some regions, dragon and lion dances are performed during the Lantern Festival, creating a lively atmosphere. These dances are traditional folk arts and symbolize driving away evil spirits, seeking good fortune, and ensuring prosperity.
Releasing Lanterns: Especially in southern China, releasing sky lanterns or flower lanterns is also an important part of the Lantern Festival. It symbolizes letting go of the past year's misfortunes and wishes for a smoother and more successful year ahead.
Moon Watching: The Lantern Festival is also known as "Lantern Night" and is traditionally associated with a full moon. People gather to watch the moon and enjoy the time of family reunion.
These customs represent a longing for family unity and a wish for a better life.