What is the Chinese Lantern Festival?

The Lantern Festival has its roots in ancient Chinese traditions and is steeped in mythology and folklore. It is believed to have originated during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE) as a way to worship Taiyi, the God of Heaven, who controlled the destiny of the human world. Over time, it evolved into a festival that symbolises the return of spring and the reunion of families.

Where and How is it Celebrated?

The Lantern Festival is celebrated across China and in various Chinese communities around the world. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong host grand celebrations, but the festival is also observed in smaller towns and villages, each adding its unique local flavour to the festivities.

Beijing

In Beijing, the festival is marked by elaborate lantern displays in parks and public spaces. The most famous celebration takes place at the Ditan Park, where thousands of lanterns in various shapes and sizes are displayed. The park also hosts cultural performances, including traditional lion dances, dragon dances, and acrobatics.

Shanghai

Shanghai’s Yu Garden is another popular spot for Lantern Festival celebrations. The garden is transformed into a sea of lanterns, with intricate designs depicting historical scenes, mythical creatures, and modern themes. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Chinese music and dance performances.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the Lantern Festival is celebrated with a blend of traditional and modern elements. The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is illuminated with lantern displays, and there are parades featuring lion and dragon dances. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre often hosts special performances and exhibitions related to the festival.

Foods and Drinks Associated with the Lantern Festival

Food plays a significant role in the Lantern Festival, with various traditional dishes and snacks enjoyed during the celebrations. One of the most iconic foods associated with the festival is tangyuan, glutinous rice balls filled with sweet or savoury fillings.

Tangyuan

Tangyuan are round dumplings made from glutinous rice flour and can be filled with ingredients such as sesame paste, red bean paste, or ground peanuts. They are usually served in a sweet syrup made from ginger and rock sugar. The round shape of tangyuan symbolises family unity and togetherness.

Yuanxiao

In northern China, a similar dish called yuanxiao is popular. While tangyuan are typically boiled, yuanxiao are made by rolling the filling in glutinous rice flour until a ball is formed, and then they are either boiled or fried. The fillings can vary, including sweet options like red bean paste or savoury ones like minced meat.

Other Festive Foods

Other foods commonly enjoyed during the Lantern Festival include dumplings, spring rolls, and various sweets. In some regions, people also prepare special dishes like fa gao (prosperity cakes) and niangao (glutinous rice cakes) to celebrate the occasion.

 

Special Activities Involved in the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival is known for its array of activities that bring communities together and create a festive atmosphere. Some of the most popular activities include:

Lantern Displays

The highlight of the festival is, of course, the lantern displays. Lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, from simple paper lanterns to elaborate structures depicting animals, flowers, and scenes from Chinese mythology. In recent years, modern technology has been incorporated into the displays, with LED lights and interactive elements adding to the spectacle.

Lantern Riddles

Another popular activity is solving lantern riddles. Riddles are written on pieces of paper and attached to the lanterns. Festival-goers try to solve the riddles, and those who succeed are often rewarded with small prizes. This tradition dates back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and adds an element of intellectual challenge to the festivities.

Here are some examples of traditional riddles often found on Chinese lanterns during the Lantern Festival:

1. Riddle: This lovely maiden eats no meat but eats leaves. She labours each day spinning and weaving for the benefit of others. Who is she?

1. • Answer: A silkworm

1. Riddle: He devotes his life to looking after the house. His mate always follows when the master goes out. A gentleman sees him and goes away. A villain sees him and it spells bad luck. Who is he?

1. • Answer: A lock

1. Riddle: It’s been around for millions of years, but it’s no more than a month old. What is it?

1. • Answer: The moon

Lion and Dragon Dances

Lion and dragon dances are integral parts of the Lantern Festival celebrations. These performances are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. The lion dance involves performers dressed in a lion costume, mimicking the animal’s movements to the beat of drums and cymbals. The dragon dance features a long, flexible dragon puppet manipulated by a team of dancers, creating a dynamic and captivating performance.

Fireworks

Fireworks are a common sight during the Lantern Festival, lighting up the night sky with colourful displays. The use of fireworks is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune for the coming year. In some regions, people also set off firecrackers to add to the festive atmosphere.

 

Releasing Sky Lanterns

In some areas, particularly in Taiwan, the release of sky lanterns is a popular tradition. People write their wishes and prayers on paper lanterns and release them into the sky, hoping for their dreams to come true. The sight of thousands of lanterns floating into the night sky is a breathtaking and symbolic end to the festival.

The Chinese Lantern Festival is a celebration of light, family, and cultural heritage. It brings people together to enjoy traditional foods, participate in festive activities, and marvel at the beauty of lantern displays. Whether celebrated in a bustling city or a quiet village, the Lantern Festival is a time of joy, unity, and hope for the future.

Walking on Stilts

Walking on stilts is another entertaining activity often seen during the Lantern Festival. Performers dressed as various characters, such as fishermen, monks, and clowns, walk on stilts and perform acrobatic moves to amuse the crowd

 

If you enjoy solving riddles go to our Instagram account @phoenixacademyuk to try solving some Lantern Riddles posted there today! If we can’t walk on stilts or release sky lanterns we can still have some fun with a brain challenge or two!

FAQs

1.Where is the Taiwan Lantern Festival celebrated in 2025?

The festival takes place in Taoyuan, hosted by the Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

2. Is the Chinese Lantern Festival the end of the Chinese New Year?

This festival marks the  first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year.

3.How long does the Chinese Lantern Festival last?

The festival used to be celebrated over 5 days during the Song Dynasty but now lasts only one day – the 15th day of the first lunar month – throughout china.