Handy Guide: The End of Spring Festival Celebration

Dear friend,

Hope you had a joyous holiday!

In your letter, you asked why we call “yuanxiao”, the 15th day of the first lunar month, "Lantern Festival". Well, it's tied to our customs of visiting lantern fairs, guessing lantern riddles, and munching sweet glutinous rice dumplings also by the name of “yuanxiao”.

The lantern fair is a cherished aspect of Chinese New Year customs. For over two millennia, the carnival-like activity have always been vibrant and lively, with towns and cities ablaze with light, people of all ages elated with lanterns and moonlight. The lanterns vary in form from dragon light installations intertwining folk elements and dragon dance, to intricately crafted traditional palace lanterns, to exquisite horse race lamps with spinning pictures. You can even make your own handheld lantern with trendy designs, maybe featuring the zodiac animal of the year, basking in the joy of the fresh year amidst the twinkling lights.

The Lantern Festival is also a time for romance, as lovers pledge eternal bond in the moonlight. Famous Chinese poet Xin Qiji from Southern Song Dynasty penned the immortal lines "But in the crowd once and again, I look for her in vain, when all at once I turn my head, I find her there where lantern light is dimly shed," capturing the subtle romance and sweet melancholy of love in Chinese culture.

Lantern riddles add a fun twist by infusing literary charm into the colorful lanterns. They’re based on poems, folklore, historical events, and jokes about current social issues. Cracking riddles is always a tricky and funny challenge, making everyone smile. “Which is faster, hot or cold?” Any guesses for this one?

The Lantern Festival marks the first full moon night of the lunar new year. From this auspicious evening, spring returns, and the festive celebrations of the Year of the Wood Dragon come to a satisfying conclusion. With every beginning, let's pack our hearts full of love and hope, and get ready to embrace a year full of adventures, aspirations, and endless possibilities!