Lantern Festival

chinese-tradition · lanterns · new-year · full-moon

Ancient tradition. The Lantern Festival has been celebrated since the Western Han dynasty, making it one of China's oldest and most important festivals for thousands of years.

Full moon timing. This festival happens on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunar calendar, which always falls on a full moon. That's why it's so magical and special for families.

New Year's finale. The Lantern Festival marks the last day of traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. People celebrate for about two weeks, and this is the grand finale.

Glowing lanterns. Families light paper lanterns, hanging them in the night sky or floating them on water to bring good luck and light up the darkness together.

Winter to spring. Usually falling in February or early March, the festival celebrates the transition from winter to spring and welcomes a fresh new season ahead.