Yesterday, February 12, 2025, Wednesday, was the Lantern Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday also known as Yuanxiao Festival, Shangyuan Festival, Spring Lantern Festival, and Little New Year. It falls on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar. According to ancient lunar calendars, the first month was called “Yuan.” The “Shuowen Jiezi” states: “Yuan means beginning; Xiao means night,” referring to the first full moon of the new year, which is why the festival is named “Yuanxiao Festival.” Throughout history, the holiday has been associated with lantern displays, which is why this name comes.

The Lantern Festival features various traditional customs, such as admiring the full moon, lighting lanterns and fireworks, enjoying lantern riddles, and eating yuanxiao (sweet rice dumplings). There are also social performances like dragon dances and stilt walking, all expressing people’s wishes for a prosperous year. The traditional food for the festival is “yuanxiao (元宵),” also called “tangyuan (汤圆),” symbolizing reunion and happiness.
 

The Lantern Festival features various traditional customs, such as admiring the full moon, lighting lanterns and fireworks, enjoying lantern riddles, and eating yuanxiao (sweet rice dumplings). There are also social performances like dragon dances and stilt walking, all expressing people’s wishes for a prosperous year. The traditional food for the festival is “yuanxiao (元宵),” also called “tangyuan (汤圆),” symbolizing reunion and happiness.

Lantern Viewing  

One of the most iconic activities of the Lantern Festival is lantern viewing. Grand lantern exhibitions are held in many places, and streets, squares, and parks are decorated with a variety of lanterns, ranging from traditional animal and human shapes to more creative modern designs. Many people go out in the evening to admire the lanterns and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.

During the Lantern Festival in the Qing Dynasty, various palace lanterns were hung. Emperor Qianlong, who always composed lantern verses for the occasion, would create either four or eight poems, often including a game with ice lantern couplets. The palace also continued a tradition from the Ming Dynasty. Starting from the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month, two “Longevity Lamps” were placed at the steps of the Qianqing Palace, and two “Sky Lamps” were set up at the sides of the hall. The Longevity Lamps were accompanied by 16 banners embroidered with golden thread, each bearing a couplet. The Sky Lamps were lit every night from installation until the third day of the second lunar month, when they were extinguished.

Eating Yuanxiao

Eating yuanxiao (sweet rice dumplings) is the most symbolic traditional custom of the Lantern Festival. These dumplings are made from glutinous rice flour and can be filled with a variety of fillings, such as red bean paste, sesame, peanuts, or even meat. The soft outer layer and round shape symbolize reunion and happiness. Yuanxiao can be steamed, boiled, or fried, and while southerners typically eat tangyuan (a similar dish), northerners traditionally eat yuanxiao. Though the names differ, the dish is essentially the same.

Guessing Lantern Riddles

Guessing lantern riddles is another popular tradition during the Lantern Festival. Riddles are usually written on pieces of paper and hung on lanterns for people to solve. These riddles can cover a wide range of topics, including history, culture, and word puzzles. Guessing lantern riddles not only challenges the mind but also adds an element of fun and interaction to the celebration.

Lion Dance

The lion dance is one of the traditional folk arts performed during the Lantern Festival. In this performance, two people work together: one controls the lion’s head, and the other controls the tail. The lion dance serves as both a form of entertainment and a symbol of driving away evil spirits, preventing disaster, and welcoming good fortune. The performance is typically accompanied by the sound of drums and gongs, creating an energetic atmosphere that is common in streets, temple fairs.

Setting off Fireworks

On the evening of the Lantern Festival, many places hold fireworks displays, symbolizing the expulsion of evil spirits and the arrival of the new spring. Fireworks add to the festive mood, especially in cities and rural areas, bringing joy and excitement to the celebration.

Fire Dragon Dance

In some regions, especially in Guangdong, there is a special activity known as the “Fire Dragon Dance.” People create a “fire dragon” using bamboo and lanterns, then dance around it while lighting fireworks. This activity is meant to drive away evil spirits and pray for safety and peace.

Flower Fairs

Flower fairs are a traditional part of the Lantern Festival, especially in places like Hangzhou and Guangzhou. People enjoy viewing the flowers, participate in riddle guessing, and admire the lantern displays. These events create a lively and festive atmosphere, bringing people together to celebrate the season.

Summary

As the last major celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival is not only a celebration of the beginning of a new year but also a time to reflect on the values of reunion, happiness, and a better life. Through colorful activities like admiring lanterns, solving riddles, performing the lion dance, and eating yuanxiao (sweet rice dumplings), the Lantern Festival carries deep cultural significance and tradition. Whether in the bustling streets of the city or the lively temple fairs in the countryside, the festival brings a strong sense of festivity, laughter, and joy. As the lights dim and the sound of firecrackers fades away, the celebration of the Lantern Festival may come to an end, but its wishes for family reunions and good health will continue to accompany us through the seasons. Let us cherish this warmth of togetherness and look forward to each reunion with our loved ones.