How much do you know about the Chinese Lantern Festival?

The Chinese Lantern Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. It is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, which this year is February 24, 2024. There are various activities and customs to celebrate this festival, making it an important and colorful festival in Chinese culture. In this article, we will introduce the origins of the Chinese Lantern Festival and explore the different activities that take place during this festival.

The Chinese Lantern Festival has a history of more than 2,000 years and is rooted in ancient customs and folklore. One of the most popular legends about this festival is the story of a beautiful sky bird that flew to earth and was killed by hunters. In retaliation, the Jade Emperor from heaven sent a flock of birds to the human world to destroy the village. The only ways to stop them are to hang red lanterns, set off fireworks, and eat rice balls, which are considered the birds’ favorite food. This formed the tradition of hanging lanterns and eating glutinous rice balls during the Lantern Festival.

One of the main activities during the Lantern Festival is eating glutinous rice balls, which are glutinous rice balls filled with sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanut butter. These round glutinous rice balls symbolize family reunion and are a traditional snack during the holidays. Families often get together to make and eat glutinous rice balls, which enhances the spirit of reunion and harmony.

Another popular activity during the Lantern Festival is visiting temple fairs, where people can enjoy folk performances, traditional handicrafts and delicious local food. The fair is a lively and colorful celebration, with lanterns of all shapes and sizes decorating the streets and traditional Chinese music filling the air. Visitors can also watch traditional performances such as dragon and lion dances, which are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

The Chinese Lantern Festival is celebrated not only in China but also in many Chinese communities around the world. In recent years, folk activities and cultural activities celebrating festivals have been held across China, attracting large crowds and showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the Chinese people. The festival has become a platform for cultural exchange and an important cultural event on the global stage.

As we look forward to the upcoming Chinese Lantern Festival on February 24, 2024, let us take this opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich traditions and customs passed down from generation to generation. Whether enjoying delicious glutinous rice balls with the family, watching spectacular dragon and lion dances, or marveling at the beautiful lantern displays, there is something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. Let us, all the Ruifiber staff, celebrate the Lantern Festival together and promote the spirit of unity, prosperity and cultural inheritance.