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The Chinese zodiac animal for the year also makes it into New Year lantern design. 5. Chinese Lanterns Became Popular Over 2,000 Years Ago. Historians believe the first lanterns were used during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). The Lantern Festival aims to promote reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness. The holiday marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year (see Lunar New Year). During the festival, houses are festooned with colourful lanterns, often with riddles written on them; if the riddle is answered correctly, the solver The Spring Festival is a time reserved for families. There is the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, visits (拜年 / bài nián) to in-laws on the second day and neighbors after that. Stores reopen on the fifth day and society basically goes back to normal. In 2008, the Lantern Festival was listed as an intangible cultural heritage element. Soon after that, the paper lanterns are incorporated into Buddhism religious practices. It is said that emperor Ming of Han ( ChinaKnowledge.de – An Encyclopaedia on Chinese History)—also known as Liu Zhuang (劉莊) or Han Mingdi Liu Zhuang 漢帝劉莊 (58-75CE) —, saw how Buddhist monks lit the paper lanterns in the temples on the fifteenth day after the new year. The Chinese Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, is perhaps the most well-known event associated with Chinese lanterns. This festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, features streets adorned with colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists. It marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) period. Chinese Lantern Festival 2025 will be celebrated on February 12th in 2025. On the night of the Chinese Lantern Festival, streets are decorated with colorful lanterns, often with riddles written on them. Origins of the Chinese Lantern. The Chinese lantern tradition is believed to have originated in the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD) when Buddhist Monks would honor Buddha by lighting lanterns on the 15th day of the lunar year. The tradition quickly spread across China and would evolve throughout the centuries. The earliest evidence of the Chinese lanterns are rich in symbolism. They are often associated with joy, celebration, and good fortune. The color of the lanterns also holds specific meanings. Red Lanterns. Red lanterns are the most common and symbolize good luck and happiness. They are often used during the Chinese New Year and weddings. Yellow Lanterns Streets, both in big cities and small towns, are decorated with red lanterns during Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival The custom of viewing lantern displays on the evening of the Lantern Festival has a history of almost 2,000 years, since the Han Dynasty. It is the first important festival after the Chinese Spring Festival for the Chinese people pushing the Chinese New Year celebration to an exciting climax and marking its end. People watch lanterns, fireworks and various performances, guess lantern riddles and eat Yuanxiao (glutinous rice balls with fillings) to celebrate the day. Here are 15 interesting facts about Chinese New Year. 1. Chinese New Year is also called "Spring Festival". Though in winter, Chinese call their New Year holidays 'Spring Festival' (春节 chūnjié /chwnn-jyeah/), because 'Start of Spring' (3 February) is the first of the terms in the traditional solar calendar. Why is the celebration also called "Guo Nian"? "Nian”is the Chinese word for year. In folk culture, the Spring Festival celebration is also called “Guo Nian” (meaning “passing a year”). In a Chinese New Year story, “Nian” is a fierce and cruel monster which eats livestock and kids, but it is scared of red color and cracker sound Discover the rich symbolism behind Chinese lanterns, which extend beyond mere decoration to embody hope, good fortune, and the release of worries. This article delves into their historical significance, their role in major celebrations like the Lantern Festival and Chinese New Year, and how modern interpretations continue to captivate audiences. Explore the artistry behind these luminous While traditions may vary, the essence of welcoming a new year with hope and joy remains the same worldwide. In countries with significant Chinese populations like Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, you'll find vibrant street parades, lion dances, and lantern displays. Chinese New Year is rich with traditions and customs. Some of the most common include: Cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck; Decorating with red lanterns and paper cuttings; Giving red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money; Setting off firecrackers; Eating special foods like dumplings and fish; 50 Chinese New Year Facts for Kids. Chinese Experience the vibrant Chinese New Year Parade, filled with dragon dances, lanterns, and traditional music, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the new year. Join the community in celebrating Chinese heritage and cultural diversity at the Chinese New Year Parade, featuring acrobatic performances, culinary delights, and a sense of cultural Red lanterns are also deeply tied to traditional Chinese festivals and customs. During the Spring Festival, red lanterns are displayed to welcome the New Year; during the Lantern Festival, people carry lanterns, admire the displays, solve riddles, and celebrate the season’s joy. These traditions enrich people’s cultural lives and preserve Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations and Activities (Jan. 7–Feb. 12, 2025) Jan. 7, 2025: Laba Festival. Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for Chinese New Year as early as day 8 of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. Red lanterns are very popular during the year’s most important festivals, most notably the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival. Abroad, these lanterns have become synonymous with Chinese businesses, and many Chinatowns and Chinese-owned shops and restaurants keep them hanging all year long. Kumquat trees are a very popular plant displayed during the Chinese New Year holidays, especially in South China's Cantonese-speaking regions of Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong, and Guangxi. 7. Blooming Flowers — Wishes for a Prosperous New Year. Chinese New Year, also called Spring Festival, marks the beginning of spring.
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