Lanterns have a special meaning in Chinese culture. There are many occasions that people light lanterns up as a wish to welcome fortune and peace. One of the most famous celebrations is the Chinese Lantern Ceremony. When is the Chinese lantern ceremony? How do the Chinese celebrate this beautiful event? Let’s dive in!
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Meaning of Chinese Lantern Ceremony
Many legends and myths around the Chinese lantern ceremonies, or lantern festival, are passed down from generation to generation. In oriental culture, lanterns symbolise peace, hope, and new beginnings; red lanterns especially symbolise prosperity and good fortune.
But that is only part of the story about the Chinese Lantern ceremony. There are two versions which are widespread differently in China and Taiwan.
On the one hand, the Chinese lantern tradition has its origins in the Han Dynasty, which took place from 206 BC to 220 AD. During that time, Buddhist monks would light lanterns on the 15th day of the lunar year to honour Buddha. The tradition quickly spread throughout mainland China and evolved over the centuries.
On the other hand, in Taiwanese culture, the tradition dates back to the Qing dynasty, when Pingxi was a remote but wealthy area that often faced the attack of bandits. To escape these dangers, villagers often retreated to the mountains during winter. Once the worst of the winter had passed, they flew sky lanterns to signal that it was safe for them to return.
How People Celebrate Chinese Lantern Ceremony
Guessing lantern riddles
During the Lantern Festival, children carry paper lanterns with their parents. Other couples also go out with each other and join the night market with lanterns. While walking on the streets, some join in solving riddle competitions that are written on the lanterns. This tradition is called “猜灯谜” in Chinese, or Guessing (solving) lantern riddles, which has its roots in the Song Dynasty (960–1279). This is one of the most crucial and popular traditions of the Chinese lantern ceremony. Back in ancient times, only the emperor and noblemen owned large ornate lanterns, while the commoners had simpler ones.
For example:
Riddles: When is your mind like a rumpled bed? – Answer: When it is not made up.
Riddles: What building has the most stories? – Answer: A Library
If you want to test your smartness, let’s try some Lantern Riddles and see how many of these can you solve.
1. What belongs to you but gets used all the time by others?
2. What has to be broken before you can use it?
3. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I?
4. I’m as light as a feather, yet you can’t hold me for long. What am I?
5. What has 13 hearts but no other organs?
(Answer below)
1. Your name
2. An egg
3. A candle
4. Your breath
5. A pack of cards
💡For more riddles, you might want to check out 37 Fun Riddles Quiz Games or 60 Awesome brain teasers from AhaSlides. Plus, claim free customizable quiz templates!
Hanging red lanterns
The Chinese lantern ceremony is the best occasion to see different kinds of lanterns. These lanterns can be small handheld lanterns or larger lanterns like flying lanterns and floating lanterns. Lanterns can be made in any shape or color, with the frame made of bamboo, wood, rattan, or wire and the shade made of paper or silk. They typically feature Chinese calligraphy, painting, paper cutting, or embroidery.
Lion dances
In addition, besides the Lunar New Year and Moon Cake Festival, it is a custom to enjoy the Lion dance during the Chinese lantern ceremony. The lion dance is performed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits, and it involves dancers dressed in lion costumes mimicking the movements of a lion. The dance is accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums, cymbals, and gongs, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere.
Eating tangyuan
Another important tradition in the Chinese lantern ceremony is eating tangyuan. Tangyuan, also known as yuanxiao in some regions, is a traditional Chinese food made from glutinous rice flour. These are sweet rice dumplings typically served as a remark for the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The sweetness of the dumplings is a symbol of sweetness and harmony in one’s life.
Chinese floating sky lanterns
It can be a huge mistake if you miss watching the Floating Lantern Festival, also known as the Sky Lantern Festival. In some places in China and Chinese communities, people release illuminated giant lanterns into the night sky. Before releasing the lanterns, participants may write their hopes, dreams, or wishes on the lanterns. This act is believed to send positive energy and intentions into the universe. As it’s often hosted at nighttime, it creates a breathtaking and magical scene that is hard to forget.
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Walk on Stilts
The stilt-walking folk art at the Chinese Lantern Festival has a thousand-year history. Not everyone possesses the level of dexterity required to participate in this procession, which demands a high level of skill. The performers dress up in colourful and eye-catching attire and put on an unforgettable carnival parade. They gracefully navigate on stilts attached to their feet, showcasing their stilt-walking prowess and executing intricate tricks. These skilled actors portray a diverse range of characters, from fishermen and monks to clowns, and bring to life humorous scenes from everyday life. It must be an incredible sight to witness such a unique and beloved tradition!
Best Places to Enjoy Chinese Lantern Ceremony
Chinese Lantern Festival in 2024 will fall on Saturday, Feb 24; however, many places will display lanterns from February 3. Many cities in China, Taiwan, and other Chinese communities will celebrate this event with many activities and performances. If you are planning a trip during the Lantern Festival, here are the top 10 best places to visit in 2024.
#1. Full Moon Lantern Festival, Hoi An, Vietnam
#2. Spring Lantern Festival, Hongkong
#3. Pingxi Lantern Festival, Taiwan
#4. Nagasaki Lantern Festival, Japan
#5. The Butter Lantern Festival. Tibet
#6. Chinese Lantern Festival on Xi’an City Wall, China
#7. Taiwan Lantern Festival in Tainan
#8. Chengdu Lantern Festival, China
#9. Hangzhou Lantern Ceremony, China
#10. Sentosa Light To Night Festival, Singapore
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FAQs
What is the meaning of the Chinese lantern ceremony?
The main purpose of the Chinese Lantern Festival is to mark the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. By lighting up the red lanterns, people aim to sweep away darkness and welcome hope to the coming year.
What do you do during the Chinese Lantern Festival?
During the Chinese lantern ceremony, it is tradition to gather with your loved ones, eat sticky rice and tangyuan, and watch the lion dances. Some places allow people to release giant sky lanterns at night.
Ref: Chinalight | Afar
