Symbolism and Significance of Chinese New Year Lanterns. Chinese New Year lanterns carry deep symbolic meanings and play important roles in the celebration. Bringing Light and Hope. The act of lighting lanterns symbolizes driving away darkness and bringing hope for the new year. It represents the wish for a bright and prosperous future. Soon after that, the paper lanterns are incorporated into Buddhism religious practices. It is said that emperor Ming of Han ( ChinaKnowledge.de – An Encyclopaedia on Chinese History)—also known as Liu Zhuang (劉莊) or Han Mingdi Liu Zhuang 漢帝劉莊 (58-75CE) —, saw how Buddhist monks lit the paper lanterns in the temples on the fifteenth day after the new year. <iframe src=" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe> Chinese lanterns are a central feature of many traditional Chinese festivals and celebrations. The most well-known festival associated with lanterns is the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. During this festival, lanterns of all shapes, sizes, and colors are displayed and released into the sky. The Chinese Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, is perhaps the most well-known event associated with Chinese lanterns. This festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, features streets adorned with colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere that draws both locals and tourists. Festival Celebrations: The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations, featuring vibrant displays, family gatherings, and traditional activities like solving riddles. Types and Meanings: Different lantern styles, mainly red and paper lanterns, carry unique meanings—red lanterns embody good luck, while paper lanterns Streets, both in big cities and small towns, are decorated with red lanterns during Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival The custom of viewing lantern displays on the evening of the Lantern Festival has a history of almost 2,000 years, since the Han Dynasty. The lunar calendar is essential to many Chinese festivals, as it dictates the timing of various cultural celebrations. Each festival holds unique significance within the lunar cycle, with the Lantern Festival representing a culmination of the New Year celebrations and a moment to reflect on the past while looking forward to the future. During the Tang Dynasty, parents would prepare a lantern for their children’s first day of school and have the teacher light it, a ritual blessing for a promising year. And on the last night of Chinese New Year, when the streets were alight with the red glow of lanterns during the Lantern Festival, young people were chaperoned in public in Lanterns are prominently featured during celebrations like the Lantern Festival, marking the end of Chinese New Year festivities. They are also an integral part of other festivals, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, where lanterns are lit and displayed to symbolize family reunions and the hope for a bountiful harvest. Like so many Chinese traditions, Chinese lanterns have a long history dating back thousands of years. Over the centuries, lanterns have become a staple Chinese item, particularly in times of celebration. Different types of Chinese lanterns exist for many occasions, and each type has a unique meaning. The literal translation of this specific type of painting is “[new] year drawing.” They are also known as “New Year prints.” This is a craft with a history of at least one thousand years. In line with all New Year decorations, these paintings are used by the people to express their wishes for the future year. The Lantern Festival in China is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It marks the end of Chinese New Year festivities. Lanterns of all shapes, sizes, and colors are prominently displayed, lighting up parks and streets. Date of Celebration: 15th day of the Chinese New Year Meaning of the Festival: Marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations and celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It holds deep roots in Buddhist and Taoist traditions, and is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year. THE Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is the most prominent and celebrated festival among Chinese people. Its history can be traced back thousands of years. The holiday begins on the first day of Chinese lunar calendar and ends on the 15th day of the same lunar month, which is celebrated as the Lantern Festival. The New Year ends with China's traditional Lantern Festival on the first full moon of the first month of the lunar calendar, which is the 15th day after the new moon. The date of the Chinese Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years Red lanterns are also deeply tied to traditional Chinese festivals and customs. During the Spring Festival, red lanterns are displayed to welcome the New Year; during the Lantern Festival, people carry lanterns, admire the displays, solve riddles, and celebrate the season’s joy. These traditions enrich people’s cultural lives and preserve 5. 年花 (New Year Flowers) Symbolism: New Year flowers such as 桃花 (peach blossoms), 富贵竹 (lucky bamboo), and 桔子树 (tangerine trees) represent growth, prosperity, and good luck. Each flower carries its own specific auspicious meaning. Application: These flowers are used to decorate homes and offices during Chinese New Year. For 6 Ways To Decorate Chinese New Year Lantern For Good Fortune. The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, and many people have already started to do spring cleaning. In addition, they also decorate the house with auspicious symbols to promote the festive atmosphere and are ready to welcome the new year with open arms. The Chinese New Year
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |