2026-04-21
On the 15th day of the first lunar month, when the first full moon of the new year lights up the sky, China celebrates the Lantern Festival – the first major traditional festival after the Spring Festival. As a time of renewal and reunion, this festival carries more than 2,000 years of cultural heritage, blending light, warmth, and good wishes.
The festival traces back to the Western Han Dynasty, when Emperor Wu held grand lantern ceremonies to worship the supreme deity. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, Buddhism spread to China, and the imperial court ordered lantern lighting to honor Buddha, gradually making lanterns popular among ordinary people.
In Taoism, this day is known as the Shangyuan Festival, a day when the heavenly god bestows blessings. Through the Sui, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, the festival evolved from a religious ritual into a nationwide joyful celebration, and was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.
Appreciating Lanterns
Streets and parks are filled with colorful lanterns of all shapes, bringing brightness and symbolizing good fortune and a prosperous new year.
Eating Tangyuan / Yuanxiao
Round glutinous rice balls represent family reunion, harmony and happiness.
Guessing Lantern Riddles
Riddles are hung on lanterns for people to solve – a fun, intellectual tradition dating back to the Song Dynasty.
Dragon and Lion Dances
Lively performances to pray for good weather, good luck, and to drive away bad spirits.
Other Folk Activities
Setting off fireworks, walking to pray for health, stilt walking and land boat performances are also popular across China.
Today, the Lantern Festival remains a beloved tradition, symbolizing the perfect end to the Spring Festival and people’s hopes for a peaceful, joyful year ahead.
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