WiWU l Chinese Lantern Festival
Lighting lanterns is probably the most widely-known tradition for celebrating the Lantern Festival.
Every year, lantern carnivals and exhibitions are held in parks and other public places, and lanterns of various colors, patterns, and styles are on display.
b.Eating Tang Yuan
Tangyuan (汤圆 tāng yuan), also called Yuan Xiao (元宵 yuán xiāo), is a must-eat food for the Lantern Festival. Shaped like a round ball, Tang Yuan symbolizes the full moon and people's desires for happiness and family reunions.
Tang Yuan is made of glutinous rice flour and is usually stuffed with sesame, peanut, and bean paste inside served in soup.
c.Enjoying Time with Families and Lovers
As the Lantern Festival is a part of the Spring Festival, it is still a time reserved for families. Gathering with families and eating Tang Yuan, the Lantern Festival has an important significant meaning of reunion.
Beyond that, the Lantern Festival is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, a day to celebrate love and affection between lovers.
In ancient China, young ladies were not allowed to go out freely except at the time of the Lantern Festival. It was once customary for single people to carry lit lanterns on the streets in hopes of finding their true love.
With the beautiful full moon and fancy lanterns, the Lantern Festival was romantic enough to be an occasion for young ladies to meet their lovers. Just like the Mid-Autumn Festival!
As time passed, however, the festival no longer had such an emphasis on romance.
d. Guessing Lantern Riddles
Guessing lantern riddles is an incredibly popular activity during the Lantern Festival.
The riddles often contain messages of good fortune, family reunion, abundant harvests, and love. In ancient times, single people can attract the attention of their crush through this guessing game.
Right up until today, Chinese people convene delightful riddle competitions to celebrate the Lantern Festival. Lantern riddles are popular with people of all ages and walks of life as many of them are inspiring and fascinating.
e. Setting off Fireworks
Setting off fireworks used to be an indispensable custom on the Chinese New Year as well as on the Lantern Festival, creating a lovely festive atmosphere.
With the loud noise and brilliant spark, the celebration of the festival is ending.
