Lantern Festival in China (15/02)

Lantern Festival (Yuanxiaojie, Chinese trad. 李 ⁇ 文) is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar. As early as the 10th century, the custom of lighting colorful lanterns that night spread in China.

Typically, many lanterns of a wide variety of shapes and sizes were hung in the city center, similar to various animals, flowers and fruits.

The villages hosted fireworks, stilt processions, dragon dances, «yangue» round dances, swing rides and other events. The Lantern Festival ended the New Year.

Since the 11th century, the holiday has become ubiquitous in China and has state status. On this day, it is customary to hold colorful shows and theatrical performances, organize folk festivals and various entertainment.

The festive dish on this day is «yuanxiao», which is made from glutinous rice with a sweet filling and candied fruits. They are shaped like a ball and symbolize the happiness of a friendly family. At this holiday, it is customary to solve riddles written on flashlights.

There is also a belief that, according to ancient custom, the souls of deceased ancestors descend to earth on New Year's Day to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones. And on the lantern festival they return back, and millions of lanterns illuminate their way home...

1931