Lantern Festival Full Guide: A Dazzling Celebration (2025 Updated)

The Chinese Lantern Festival has been a pop culture icon for many years. You might have seen it in movies and TV shows where hundreds of illuminating lanterns fly up in the sky. But did you know this festival has a rich historical and traditional value in Asia, particularly China? 

If you don’t know much about the Sky Lantern Festival, there’s nothing to worry about. This guide will cover its history, cultural significance, and celebration date. Without any further ado, let’s dig in!

What is the Chinese Lantern Festival?

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. This day marks the final celebration of the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) period, bringing a festive close to the holiday season. The Chinese Lantern Festival is a time of joy and togetherness, characterized by the lighting of lanterns, which symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and the hope for a bright future.

The origins of the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival date back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD). It is said that Emperor Ming of Han, a devout Buddhist, noticed that Buddhist monks would light lanterns in temples to show respect to Buddha on the 15th day of the first lunar month. To promote Buddhism, he ordered that all households, temples, and the imperial palace should light lanterns on that evening. This tradition has continued for centuries, evolving into the vibrant and colorful celebration we see today.

The Lantern Festival is not only celebrated in China but also in many other countries with Chinese communities, making it a global event that highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese people.

Why Do People Celebrate the Lantern Festival?

First, let’s address the most important question: Why is the Chinese Lantern Festival celebrated?

Well, it is a part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Also known as the Spring Festival, it holds a rich value in Chinese culture. It starts at the beginning of the year’s spring season. The Lantern Festival (Yuan xiao Festival) is said to be the last day of these celebrations.

Many people consider it a goodbye letter to the New Year celebrations. They send lanterns into the sky, representing a ‘move-on’ from the past year. According to legend, villagers would hang red lanterns to create the illusion of a fire, tricking the Jade Emperor and saving their village from destruction. This practice has evolved into a tradition celebrated on the fifteenth day of the lunar year.

After the Lantern Festival, the Chinese people return to their routines and start the spring season in full swing.

How Old Is The Lantern Festival?

Chinese culture has deep roots in history, dating back thousands of years. And the Lantern Festival is no different. It is said to be at least 2,000 years old, with connections to Buddha and a certain Jade Emperor.

Many stories revolve around the origins of the Lantern Festival. But let’s look at the three most popular ones:

1. Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 AD)

One of the legends surrounding this festival dates back to 1368 AD. This was during the Ming Dynasty when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang introduced the Lantern Festival. According to the stories, the Emperor ordered the citizens to place thousands of lanterns in the Qinhuai River.

Since then, it has become a tradition that Chinese people follow every year for the Spring season.

1. The Buddha Story

This story dates back to 206 – 220 AD, when Buddhist Monks during the Han Dynasty celebrated the 15th day of the lunar year by lighting several lanterns to honor Budha. However, whether this story is historically accurate is another debate.

What we do know is that the earliest evidence of this festival’s celebrations dates back to the Tang Dynasty, which was between 618 and 907 AD. The Tang Dynasty introduced lanterns as a symbol of power in China. During this festival, tangyuan, a traditional food made from glutinous rice flour, is enjoyed, with a regional variation called yuan xiao in northern China.

1. Jade Emperor

Last but not least, the story revolving around the Jade Emperor, You Di, is easily the most interesting. The Jade Emperor found this goose dead and blamed a village for its death. As punishment, he ordered his men to burn down the entire village.

But when he arrived to burn the village, he discovered lanterns were flying in the sky. He thought the village was already on fire. Thus, he left with his men.

What actually happened is that a spirit warned the villagers about the Jade Emperor’s intentions before his arrival. Those villagers continued to celebrate this lantern event every year to thank the spirit.

How to Celebrate the Lantern Festival?

Let’s say you are planning a trip to China or are just interested in their culture. Here’s how to celebrate the Lantern Festival:

1. Decorations & Lightings

Colorful lanterns are not the only illuminating part of this festival. The Chinese people decorate their homes and landmarks with stunning lighting, as well as public places like parks and lakes.

At night, people gather and throw lanterns in the sky. The best way to celebrate this festival is to be with your family, friends, or loved ones and watch the lanterns fly away as they symbolize a brighter future!

2. Eating Yuanxiao

You might have heard of Tang Yuan (Yuanxiao). It is an important food in Chinese culture. Basically, these are balls of boiled rice dipped in sweet soup. The food represents the reunion of loved ones. Also, the ball shape is significant in Chinese culture as it symbolizes completeness!

3. Write & Solve Riddles

Every lantern has a riddle attached to it. You must guess the right answer and tell it to that particular lantern’s owner to win a prize. This tradition dates back to 960-1279 AD, the time of the Song Dynasty. Attendees can also engage with lantern displays representing their specific Chinese zodiac animals, adding a personal touch to the celebration.

4. Watching Dragon Dances

Dragon dances are a popular event during the Lantern Festival. The dragon, a symbol of good luck and prosperity, is brought to life by skilled performers who manipulate a long, flexible dragon figure. The dance is performed to the rhythm of drums and cymbals, creating a lively and energetic spectacle that is believed to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits.

Lantern Festival Around the World

The Lantern Festival is celebrated not only in China but also in other countries with Chinese communities. Here are some of the most notable Lantern Festivals around the world:

• Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival: The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is a popular event in the United States, featuring over 1,200 individual lantern creations and 30 massive lantern installations. This festival transforms Franklin Square into a dazzling display of light and color, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
• North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival: Another popular event in the United States is the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival. Held in Cary, this festival features hundreds of larger-than-life lanterns on display, including intricate designs and vibrant colors that captivate visitors of all ages.
• Lantern Festivals in Asia: Lantern Festivals are also celebrated in other Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Each country has its own unique traditions and customs, but the core elements of lighting lanterns and celebrating with family and friends remain the same.
• Lantern Festivals in Europe: Lantern Festivals are also celebrated in some European countries, such as the UK and France. These festivals often feature a mix of traditional Chinese customs and local traditions, creating a unique and multicultural celebration of light and culture.

Overall, the Lantern Festival is a significant event in Chinese culture, celebrated not only in China but also around the world. It is a time for celebration, merriment, and cultural exchange, and is an important part of Chinese heritage. Whether you are in China or abroad, the Lantern Festival offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty and joy of this ancient tradition.

FAQs about The Lantern Festival

Q1: Are Lanterns Safe for the Environment? Plus, Guessing Lantern Riddles

Yes, the lanterns used in the festival are biodegradable. They use rice paper and bamboo in their manufacturing, making them environmentally safe. 

Q2: When is the Lantern Festival 2025?

The Lantern Festival will occur on February 12, 2025, the 15th day of the lunar year, marking the end of the Chinese Spring celebrations.

Q3: How long is the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, NC?

The Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, NC, typically lasts for about a month. It usually begins in late November or early December and runs through mid-February. The festival features large, colorful lantern displays, cultural performances, and interactive activities celebrating Chinese culture and traditions. The exact dates can vary each year, so it’s always best to check the official website or event page for the most up-to-date information.

Q4: Where is the Chinese Lantern Festival in Philly?

The Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia is held at the Philadelphia Horticultural Center (PHS) Pop-Up Garden in Franklin Square. It usually takes place in the spring, typically from May to June.

Q5: Is Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival worth it?

Yes, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is widely considered worth attending, especially if you’re interested in cultural experiences, art, and unique outdoor events.

Summary

The Chinese Lantern Festival is the best way to welcome the Spring season. It symbolizes bright new beginnings and saying goodbye to the last year. But these celebrations are not limited to China only. The festival has become quite a phenomenon in the Western region. Now, many countries take part in celebrations. That means you can also participate in these illuminating festivities!