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. For more information, visit their event page on Facebook or their website. Local food trucks Kogi BBQ Taco Truck, LudoTruck and Fluff Ice will serve food. Currently, there are three main exhibits featured at the museum. The Chinese American Museum will have extended hours until 7 p.m. The museum staff trains the volunteers on how to make the arts and crafts, who in turn teach the public. There will be 14 workshops teaching how to make various Chinese-themed arts and crafts, including abacus making, red envelope making, kite making and - of course - lantern making. The Silver Dragon stage performance will end the night.Īrts and crafts are also a big part of the festival. to 6 p.m., including lion dances, Chinese folk dances and magic shows. There will be over 20 stage performances every hour on the hour from 12 p.m. Here are the four main parts of the event: It will include various festivities and "encompass all parts of the culture," Truong says. The red lanterns "help light up the village, because in ancient times, there was no electricity," Chen said. People also want to celebrate under the full moon. This is a time when the planting season begins and people pray for good harvest, Chen said. He added that on the 15th day of the lunar year is a full moon, which signifies that the spring season has arrived. "Red is also an auspicious, festive and cheerful color," Chen said. Both religions use red lanterns to observe the tradition. He says that the Lantern Festival is on the 15th day for both Buddhist and Taoist religious reasons.īuddhists worship Buddha on the 15th, while Taoists worship an important god on the 15th. UC Irvine History Professor Yong Chen gives another interpretation. Truong says the Lantern Festival lights the way to a prosperous new year. When the god looked down from heaven, he thought the village was already on fire and decided to spare the villagers' lives - thus came a yearly celebration of the anniversary of the villagers' survival. One villager suggested lighting lanterns, so on the 15th day, the villagers lit thousands of lanterns. This prompted him to destroy the village on the 15th day of the new year. According to ancient mythology, a villager had accidentally killed the favorite phoenix that belonged to the god, Jade Emperor of Heaven, Truong says. The Lantern Festival's history and origins have many interpretations. The San Gabriel Valley and Chinatown have already had luna celebrations during the two-week holiday, so "we feel that the Lantern Festival is a way to commemorate the ending of the New Year," Troung said. Truong says that the event is a cultural celebration to close out the new year. It allows the community to learn and appreciate the history, traditions and customs of this Chinese holiday, Truong said. Michael Truong, education programs manager of the Chinese American Museum, says that the festival is an educational tool to make Chinese culture accessible to the public. 24, the Chinese American Museum will still host its 12th annual Lantern Festival this Saturday, March 2 in Los Angeles. The Lantern Festival draws the cultural holiday to a harmonious close.Īlthough the actual date this year was last Sunday, Feb. The Chinese New Year celebration ends on the 15th day of the lunar new year.
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