In 104 B.C., he declared it as one of the most significant celebrations and decreed that the ceremony be held throughout the night. Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty gave special allure to this event. This annoyed the Jade Emperor in heaven, and in his anger, he formed a storm of fire to engulf the entire village.

After it landed on earth, it was hunted down and slaughtered. Yet another widespread legend about the origins of the Lantern Festival talks about an elegant crane that flew down to earth from the heavens. This review is for anyone looking to attend next year so you know what to expect. The event was perfect for families and anyone who appreciates learning about facets of Chinese history and culture. It is believed that Tianguan likes all types of entertainment, so his followers organize various activities during which they pray and plead for good fortune. It took place at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton, FL, from Febru April 9, 2017. Some other legend associates the Lantern Festival with Taoism. Tianguan, being the Taoist deity responsible for good fortune, has his birthday on the 15th day of the first lunar month. During the Han dynasty, the lantern festival was associated with Ti Yin, the deity of the North Star. So from there, lighting lanterns developed into a folk custom.īut there’s another origin, most likely a legend - the observation of the declining darkness of winter and how the community can move about at night with human-made light. He decreed that all households, temples, and the imperial palace light lanterns on that evening. However, its roots go way back to over 2,000 years ago and are famously associated with the dynasty of Emperor Ming at the time when Buddhism was evolving in China. Emperor Ming was a supporter of Buddhism, and when he noted how Buddhist monks would often light lanterns in temples on the 15th day of the first lunar month. 16–Feb.The origin of the Lantern Festival has brought about various beliefs and conceptions. The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival: November 18th, 2022 - January 8th, 2023.Many large lantern displays are held, such as: This is why some say that the Chinese Lantern Festival is the true Chinese 'Valentine's Day', rather than Qixi Festival (七夕 'Double Seventh').Ĭhinese Lantern Festival 2023 Events Around the WorldĬhinese Lantern Festival has become increasingly popular in Western countries in recent years. In ancient times, unmarried women were not allowed to go out of the house. The Chinese Lantern Festival provided an opportunity for them to stroll freely, lighting lanterns, playing games, and interacting with men. Is Yuanxiao Jie the Real Chinese Valentine's Day?Ĭhina's Lantern Festival is one of the romantic traditional Chinese festivals. It is believed that the custom of eating tangyuan originated during the Song Dynasty era, and became popular during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynastic periods. Yuanxiao can be boiled, fried, or steamed, and are customarily served in fermented rice soup, called tianjiu (甜酒 tiánjiǔ /tyen-jyoh/ 'sweet liquor'). It, therefore, symbolizes family reunion, harmony, and happiness. Tangyuan sounds similar to tuanyuan (团圆), which means 'reunion'.Its sweet taste symbolizes a sweet and happy life.Business Science & Tech Music Film & Media Performing & Visual Arts Fashion Health. Chinese lantern festival events in Boca Raton, FL. Its round shape symbolizes wholeness and completeness. Lining up plans in Boca Raton Whether youre a local, new in town, or just passing through, youll be sure to find something on Eventbrite that piques your interest.It is a must-eat food at the Chinese Lantern Festival due to its auspicious meaning in every aspect - from its round shape to its sweet taste and fine-sounding pronunciation. The lanterns' artwork vividly illustrates traditional Chinese imagery and symbols, such as fruits, flowers, birds, animals, people, and buildings. In the Taiwanese Mandarin dialect, the Chinese word for lantern (灯 dēng) is pronounced similarly to (丁 dīng), which means 'to have a new-born baby', so in Taiwan putting up lanterns could even express a wish for couples to have a baby!ĭuring the Lantern Festival, many big lantern fairs are held in China, such as Qinhuai International Lantern Festival in Nanjing and Shanghai Yuyuan Lantern Festival. It is a way for people to pray that they will have smooth futures and to express their best wishes for their families.

Lighting lanterns symbolize 'illuminating the future'. The (traditional) lanterns are almost always red to invoke good fortune. Lanterns are seen everywhere including in houses, shopping malls, parks, and streets. Lighting and appreciating lanterns is the main activity of Yuan Xiao Jie.

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