The Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuanxiao Festival or Shangyuan Festival, marks the final major event of the Chinese New Year celebrations. It takes place on the fifteenth day of the first Chinese calendar month each year. In 2025, the Lantern Festival falls on February 12th, a Wednesday, according to the Gregorian calendar.
The history of the Lantern Festival can be traced back over two thousand years to the Western Han Dynasty. By the Tang Dynasty, lighting lanterns had become an established custom, a tradition that continues to this day.
The traditional customs of the Lantern Festival are rich and varied, including admiring lantern displays, eating yuanxiao (glutinous rice balls), solving lantern riddles, dragon dances, and stilt walking. Among these, eating yuanxiao symbolizes family reunion and happiness, while admiring the lanterns is the highlight of the celebration. Lantern festivals held in various regions are lively and festive, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of the holiday.
Lantern Festival will attract large numbers of tourists. These events not only preserve traditional culture but also provide a modern way for people to experience the charm of the festival.
The Lantern Festival is not only a traditional Chinese holiday but also an important cultural event for overseas Chinese communities. In 2008, the customs of the Lantern Festival were included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, further highlighting its cultural significance.
In conclusion, the Lantern Festival, with its unique cultural connotations and lively atmosphere, has become an important cultural symbol of the Chinese nation, connecting the past with the future, and blending tradition with modernity.
(By Yang Jiming/ Qi Qian)
