Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival, also called Yuan Xiao Festival is a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar. It usually falls in February or early March on the Gregorian calendar, and it marks the final day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.

The Lantern Festival began over 2000 years ago in the Western Han dynasty and has developed many other meanings. It has religious aspects with ancient spiritual traditions, with lanterns the most notable part of the festival. It celebrates family reunions and society, also a time of socializing and freedom. Some also call this the ‘true’ Chinese Valentine’s Day.

In China, and other countries with Chinese communities, the Lantern Festival customs and activities may vary. Celebration may include: moon gazing, lighting and flying lanterns, setting off fireworks, flying drones, guessing riddles written on lanterns, eating tangyuanor or rice balls, dragon and lion dances, walking on stilts and pray for good fortune and safety.