When one plans to travel,it is but-obvious that he chalks-out a lot many things so that he makes the best out the money, time and energy he is going to spend on the trip. Since, we are talking about China, we all know it is a country with a rich ancient traditions and vibrant cultural heritage. And amongst the great legacy of the nation, the Chinese people celebrate the Lantern Festival with a great pomp and show.
It is a very important event that happens in China annually on the 15th day of first lunar month and is famous for its dazzling lanterns and lively festivities. The Lantern Festival of China marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
It is a symbol of hope, renewal, and the arrival of spring. MyTravelTown today shall help you know a little about the Lantern Festival’s deep-rooted history, customs, activities, and famous cities where this festival is celebrated in full glory and spirit.
Let’s begin with some history!
It is over 2,000 years ago, during the Han Dynasty, that the Lantern Festival was first observed as a religious ritual to fend off evil spirits and welcome good fortune. Initially centered around worshipping Taiyi, the God of Heaven, the celebration—known in Chinese as the Yuanxiao Festival—was when people prayed for wealth, joy, and protection from bad luck. And with the passage of time, it has become a colorful and secular celebration of light and festivity.
People of all ages delve into this creative activity of making lanterns varying in sizes, shapes, and colors. Some of which depict traditional scenes and symbols, such as dragons and phoenixes, while others take on modern forms. The designs range from small, handheld lanterns to giant, decorated lanterns illuminating all over the parks.
The lanterns come to life as the sun sets, softly illuminating the city and fostering a calm ambiance. If you are visiting China during this timeof the year, you will be amazed to see hundreds or thousands of lanterns lighting the night sky.
There are many different traditions and customs associated with the Lantern Festival, and each one adds a certain charm to the festivities:
- Viewing lanterns: Possibly the most famous pastime, lantern viewing attracts large crowds of people who come to see and value the artistry and inventiveness of the lanterns on exhibit.
- Eating Yuanxiao (Glutinous Rice Dumplings): Another popular custom which you will find in southern China is eating Yuanxiao or tangyuan. Usually filled with sweet fillings like peanut butter, red bean paste, or sesame paste, these dumplings are prepared from glutinous rice flour.
- Traditional Dances: The Lantern Festival delves its audience with traditional performances of the lion and dragon dances. These dances are said to cast away bad luck and shower prosperity and good fortune.
- Cai Deng Mi: Or the riddle guessing, is a popular activity of the Lantern Festival that appeals to people of all ages. In this, people write riddles on paper and hang them from lanterns. The ones who successfully solve these puzzles receive minor rewards, and festival attendees are welcome to try to solve them. So, how do you imagine being an attendee and bringing some amazing goodies home!
Popular Places in China to Attend the Lantern Festival
Although the Lantern Festival is observed all over China, there are places particularly well-known for their extravagant lantern displays and lively celebrations. The following are some of the best places to experience the enchantment of the Lantern Festival:
- Beijing: Grand light displays and cultural events draw the attention of thousands of people to Beijing’s well-known Ditan Park and Longtan Lake Park, which are transformed into celebration hubs.
- Shanghai: The Yu Garden in Shanghai is a popular location for breathtaking lantern displays and light shows enhanced by the illuminated buildings.
- Chengdu: Known for its lovable giant pandas, Chengdu hosts an amazing celebrations during this time. Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street in the city are turned into festive areas with colorful lanterns and lights, creating a magical setting for the festival.
- Hong Kong: The city features cultural performances and lantern displays at Victoria Harbor and other parks, creating a charming fusion of Chinese customs and a modern atmosphere. Sounds fun right!
If you’re considering to visit China, the Latern Festival is something that you can never miss!
As a traveler, this is the only time when you’ll experience China’s true spirit, culture, and traditions that has inspired generations over the time. So, add it to the iternary of your travel to China and experience the magic!
