Chinese Lantern Festival is one of the most popular festivals being celebrated in China. This is also called Yuan Xiao Festival because the 15th

day is the first night to see a full moon.

Made by Karen from Reede

Taiyi, the God of Heaven

Control the destiny of the human world

Decided when to inflict drought, storms, famine or pestilence upon human beings

Since Qinshihuang time

All subsequent emperors ordered splendid ceremonies each year

Emperors asked Taiyi of favourable weather and good health to him and his people

Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty made it as one of the most important celebrations and would last throughout the night

Tianguan, the Taoist god

Responsible for good fortune

His birthday falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month

Tianguan likes all types of entertainment

The followers prepare various kinds of activities on his birthday

People pray for good fortune

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Chinese Ghost Festival

(About 563-483 BC)

Halloween

(About 1000-500BC)

Valentine’s Day

(About 200-299 AD)

Chinese Lantern Festival

(About 581-618 AD)

Made by Karen from Reede

Prepare

Yuanxiao

Step 1Step 2

Make lanterns from red construction paper and decorate them with pictures, sequence or riddles

Step 3Attend Chinese Lantern

Festival activities sponsored by local Chinese Community. They often include parades, dances, acrobatics and food. Also, many larger cities hold glowing lantern parades!Step 4

Having lantern festival party. Provide space for people to make their own lanterns. Set off firecrackers and serve traditional Chinese food.

Step 5

Play Guess the Lantern Riddle

Step 6Matchmaker! Lantern Festival is also considered to be Chinese Valentine’s Day!

Made by Karen from Reede

The history of Yuan Xiao:

Besides entertainment and beautiful lanterns, another important part of this festival is eating small dumpling balls made of glutinous rice flour. It is said that the custom of eating Yuan Xiao originated during the Eastern Jin Dynasty in the fourth century, then became popular during the Tang and Song periods.

Glutinous Rice Balls

Reunion

Peace

special celebrations

dragon lantern dance

Stilts-Walking

(with long stilt tied to their feet )

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Sky lanternPrayer

Beautiful wish

Big Red Lanterns

Good luck and happiness

Festive atmosphere

Made by Karen from Reede