History and Origins of Chinese New Year Lanterns Chinese lanterns have a rich history dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). Their use in New Year celebrations evolved from religious practices to become a widespread cultural tradition. 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 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 <iframe src=" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe> Chinese lanterns have a long history and there are even records of the existence of paper Chinese lanterns dating back to as early as the Eastern Han dynasty (25 to 220 AD). The people of that time created frames for candles using bamboo, wood or wheat-straw, stretching silk or paper over it to allow for a hot air balloon effect. 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. The Lunar New Year holiday comes to its climax with the Yuan Xiao (元宵节 / yuán xiāo jié), or Lantern Festival, celebrated on February 15, 2022. The festival began over 2000 years ago and has developed many meanings. The Lantern Festival in China is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It marks the end of Chinese New Year festivities. Lanterns of all shapes, sizes, and colors are prominently displayed, lighting up parks and streets. The most popular Chinese New Year Lanterns are red round lanterns, sometimes decorated with auspicious characters and patterns. An important rule of Chinese New Year lanterns is to hang them in pairs (always even numbers) and on the south side of the house if possible. Read More About Traditions and Celebrations of Chinese New Year or Chun Jie Among these lanterns, red ones are recognized the most throughout the world. Red gauze was used when making them. In Chinese culture, the red lantern is the symbol of booming life and prosperous business, so they are always hung on important festivals such as Lantern Festival, Chinese New Year and Chinese National Day in parks or along main 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. Today, the Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese calendar, which generally falls sometime in February or early March. Like many traditional Chinese holidays, the Lantern Festival has a long history. Lantern Festival celebrations began around 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty (202 BCE-220 CE). The Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China. Tied to the Chinese lunar calendar, it begins on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 20. The holiday was 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 Lanterns are prominently featured during celebrations like the Lantern Festival, marking the end of Chinese New Year festivities. They are also an integral part of other festivals, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, where lanterns are lit and displayed to symbolize family reunions and the hope for a bountiful harvest. 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. When does Chinese New Year start? Chinese New Year in 2025 starts on Wednesday, Jan. 29. When does Chinese New Year end? Chinese New Year in 2025 lasts until the Lantern Festival on Feb. 12. Chinese New Year is a festival that celebrates the beginning of the new year in China. The celebration usually starts around late January or early February, and lasts 15 days. Today, the displaying of lanterns is still a major event on the fifteenth day of the first lunisolar month throughout China. Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province, for example, holds a lantern fair each year in Culture Park. During the Lantern Festival, the park is a virtual ocean of lanterns. Many new designs attract large numbers of
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |