The Lantern Festival in China: a dazzling celebration to discover

1. The history and meaning of the Lantern Festival

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La Lantern Festival (, Yuanxiāo Jié) is a Chinese tradition that is over 2,000 years old. It originated during the Han dynasty (206 BC — 220 AD), although its history is surrounded by numerous legends. One of the most famous says that an emperor, touched by the goodness of the fire god, ordered his people to light lanterns to avoid a celestial disaster. Since then, every year, China lights up to celebrate this special night.

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A holiday marking the end of Chinese New Year

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The Lantern Festival takes place on 15th day of the first lunar month, marking the official end of the Chinese New Year festivities. It is a time to celebrate family unity and to wish for happiness and prosperity in the year to come. At nightfall, streets and temples are adorned with lanterns of all sizes and colors, creating a magical spectacle.

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Symbols rich in meaning

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Each element of the Lantern Festival has a particular meaning:

• The lanterns (, Dēnglóng) : They symbolize hope, luck and the removal of malicious spirits. In the past, they also served as spiritual guides to show ancestors the way.
• The enigmas of the lanterns ( Cāi Dēng Mí) : A popular tradition where people have to solve riddles written on the lanterns, testing their intelligence and their knowledge of the Chinese language.
• The Yuanxiao () or Tāngyuán () : Small glutinous rice balls filled (with black sesame, red beans or peanuts) that we enjoy as a family. Their round shape symbolizes harmony and the reunion of loved ones.
• The dragon and lion dances : These impressive shows are supposed to bring prosperity and drive away evil spirits to start the year off on the right foot.

Today, the Lantern Festival continues to be celebrated fervently, both in China and in other Asian countries. Over time, the festivities have evolved, integrating modern parades and grand light shows, while maintaining their traditional essence.

So, whether in Beijing, Taipei or even through the major Chinese communities around the world, this festival remains a unique moment to immerse yourself in the richness of Chinese culture.

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2. How is Lantern Festival celebrated today?

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Although deeply rooted in tradition, the Lantern Festival has been able to evolve over time and reinvent itself to seduce new generations. Today, it is celebrated not only in China, but also in many countries in Asia and among Chinese communities around the world.

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A light show all over China

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On the evening of the Lantern Festival, Chinese cities are transformed into real oceans of light. Lanterns of all sizes and colors hang on houses, temples, and streets. Some take forms such as: dragons, fish, flowers, mythological characters... Every detail is designed to amaze young and old alike.

Some cities organize spectacular lantern festivals, like that of Pingxi in Taiwan, where thousands of sky lanterns are released into the night sky, or even that of shanghai, where huge light sculptures adorn the Yuyuan Gardens. These events attract thousands of visitors and offer a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

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The essential activities of the party

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The Lantern Festival is more than just admiring twinkling lights. It is also marked by various festive traditions:

• Solve puzzles hanging from the lanterns (Cāi Dēng Mí,): a tradition that consists of guessing riddles written on lanterns, often linked to word games or Chinese cultural references.
• Enjoy yuanxiao () or tāngyuán () : these little stuffed sticky rice balls, synonymous with family reunion and harmony.
• Watch the dragon and lion dances : these impressive shows, accompanied by rhythmic drums, are supposed to drive out evil spirits and attract prosperity.
• Watch the fireworks : in some regions, fireworks are set off to light up the night and celebrate the end of the Chinese New Year in style.

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A celebration that is exported around the world

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Thanks to the Chinese diasporas, the Lantern Festival is also celebrated in many major cities internationally, such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, London, New York or Paris. Chinatowns often organize parades, lantern exhibitions, and traditional shows, thus allowing a wider audience to discover this iconic celebration.

La Lantern Festival is much more than just a festive event: it embodies harmony, hope and the link between tradition and modernity. Through its glittering lanterns, captivating enigmas, and gourmet specialties, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the richness of Chinese culture.

Celebrating this holiday is also a Great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Chinese language and traditions. Whether it's by discovering new words in Mandarin, participating in local festivities, or admiring the magnificent lights, everyone can take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about this ancient culture.

So why not take advantage of the upcoming Lantern Festival to look up at the illuminated sky and discover the Chinese language with MandarinMaster?

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