Last month the Chinese celebrated the start of their new year, the year of the rabbit.
The Lantern Festival marks the 15th and final day of the Chinese New Year festivities. It is the first night of the new year to see a full moon, and the Chinese believe that when there is a full bright moon in the sky, there should be thousands of colourful lanterns hung out for everyone to appreciate and celebrate.
On the night of the festival, lanterns decorated with pictures of birds, beasts, historical figures, and a number of various other themes are hung outside homes and along the streets.
There are many different beliefs about the origin of the Lantern Festival.
One legend claims that many years ago fierce beasts roamed freely in China. One day, a hunter mistook a sacred bird for a dangerous beast and killed it. The heaven Emperor was furious and ordered the land to be burned. Luckily, he had a very kind daughter who warned the people.
One man suggested that every family light up lanterns and fireworks to fool the Emperor into thinking that the land had been burned. On the 15th day of the first lunar month, the heaven Emperor looked down on China to see red fire everywhere. From then on, people continued to light up lanterns and fireworks to celebrate the success.
Customs associated with the Lantern Festival include eating Yuanxio(a small rice ball sometimes served in soup), guessing lantern riddles and the lion and dragon dance.
The Lion Dance is performed at many Chinese celebrations as it is seen as a symbol of bravery and strength believed to scare away evil and bring luck.
This year, the Chinese welcomed the year of the Rabbit. From the chinese zodiac, it indicates a year of caution and calm.
Leave a Reply