One of the coolest parts about moving to an unfamiliar place, is experiencing a holiday for the first time—so, we were excited when the words “Lantern Festival” appeared on the calendar.
And with very limited knowledge about its background, we can already say, a Lantern Festival is an excellent outlet for celebration.
That is not to say that tomato smashing or “The Night of the Radishes” or burning straw effigies of Guy Fawkes isn’t cool, but let’s be honest… thousands of glowing paper lanterns is, well… different.
There’s a calmness about it—an ethereal quality. It’s something that brings people together without shouting, “Burn you traitorous malcontent!”
In fact, the Lantern Festival is precisely that: a day to promote reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness, while honouring deceased ancestors.
It is the last day of celebration for the Chinese New Year—always taking place on the night of a full-moon—and has been recognized as a meaningful date in China (and other Asian countries) for centuries.
It is a night where lanterns of all shapes and sizes are hung from every roof and beam, carried at the end of sticks by children, and floated across ponds.
Some are shaped like animals, others made to look like the moon, and still others painted with beautiful mountain, water, or forest scenes.
But most lanterns are a simple red, symbolizing a spirit of good fortune.
Or made to represent the year of the Chinese zodiac.
And in some very special places, entire façades of buildings or bridges have been brought to life by an artist’s vision, making a late-night stroll feel enchanting.
It really is quite fantastical. And with gorgeous lanterns glowing alongside other festive traditions such as dragon dances, parades, fireworks, and glutenous rice-balls filled with fruit and nuts, it’s plain to see why this particular holiday is so fervently anticipated throughout the year.
I mean, who doesn’t want to stand in the majestic glow of a thousand lanterns while scarfing down a couple rice-balls that symbolize wholeness and unity?
I know I do.