Lantern Festival in Taiwan

Date

The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month in the lunar calendar, marking the final day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.

History

The festival has roots in ancient China, with various legends associated with its origin. One popular story involves a celestial crane that flew down to Earth and was hunted by villagers, prompting a deity to disguise as a fortune teller and advise the lighting of lanterns to prevent further celestial creatures from descending.

Traditions

• Lantern Displays: Cities and towns across Taiwan are adorned with elaborate lantern displays, often featuring intricate designs that reflect the year's Chinese zodiac sign.
• Riddle Games: Lanterns often have riddles attached to them, and participants can win small prizes for correctly solving these puzzles.
• Yuan Xiao: People eat glutinous rice balls called "yuan xiao" or "tang yuan," symbolizing family unity and completeness.
• Fireworks: Firework shows are common, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Activities

• Pingxi Sky Lantern Release: In Pingxi district, people write their wishes on sky lanterns and release them into the night sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
• Taipei Lantern Festival: A major event where large-scale lanterns are exhibited, alongside performances and cultural activities.
• Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival: Recognized as one of the most dangerous festivals globally, participants experience fireworks shooting into crowds from beehive-like structures.

On this day, people throughout Taiwan come together to celebrate with light displays and cultural events that signify the ending of New Year festivities and a welcoming of good fortune for the coming year.