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Chinese New Year and the Chinese Lantern Festival

Chinese Lanterns: A Signal to Let the Fun Begin
The Chinese Lantern Festival is held the 15th day of the first month in each Chinese New Year. It is the last celebration within the customs of the Chinese New Year. The festival is centuries old, with its origins dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 221 AD). The main objective for participants in the lantern festival is simply to have a good time. People walk down the streets under the glow of a full moon carrying a wide assortment of Chinese paper lanterns. Dancing dragons and tigers parade alongside. Games are played, riddles are told, and firecrackers are lit. No matter what his or her age, everyone comes together for the Chinese lantern festival to celebrate life and to have fun.

Curious about Chinese New Year?
The New Year in China, much like its counterpart in Western culture, is seen as a time for new beginnings. Much like Christmas in the West, preparations start being made for Chinese New Year a month or more in advance. There are presents and decorations to be purchased and food to be prepared. Each house is given a thorough cleaning, in order to rid the home of all bad luck. There is a large feast the night before the Chinese New Year, and the evening is spent together with family. At midnight, everyone is treated to beautiful fireworks displays. The next day, everyone greets each other with a spirit of renewed acceptance, and old resentments are put aside.

If you are interested in other lanterns, we suggest you browse our lanterns secton from here.