Lantern Festival is a Chinese celebration that marks completion of Chinese New Year celebrations.
Sometimes, it’s better known as Yuan Xiao Festival or the Spring Lantern Festival – and is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month in the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
The festival is usually a time to reconcile, host family reunions and socialise – though things may be different this year.
Here’s everything you need to know about Lantern Festival 2021…
When is the Lantern Festival 2021?
In 2021, Lantern Festival takes place on Friday, February 26.
This is 15 days after Chinese New Year began, so 15 days into the new Year of the Ox. Typically, the Lantern Festival falls in February.
In 2022, Lantern Festival will be on Tuesday, February 15. In 2023, it takes place on Sunday, February 5.
Where is the Lantern Festival celebrated?
The Lantern Festival originates from and is celebrated all over China.
Big celebrations often take place in Nanjing, Beijing and Shanghai – plus anywhere else in the world that marks the importance of Chinese New Year.
In typical times, there would usually be small events happening around the UK. This year, any events are virtual.
There are lots of different festivals in Asia involving lanterns – so don’t get this one confused with the Mid-Autumn Festival or Taiwan’s Pingxi Lantern Festival.
What happens during the Lantern Festival?
There’s a reason the Lantern Festival is also called Yuan Xiao.
A big part of the day revolves around eating the traditional dessert, yuanxiao.
This sweet rice ball, also called tangyuan, is made of glutinous rice flour and water.
It is then either left as is or stuffed with a sweet filling, and is then deep-fried or boiled before eating.
Generally, the day is all about reconciliation and coming together: reuniting with family members and socialising with friends.
There’s also lantern-lighting in the evening, as well as parades and even traditional lion dances.
Before you go letting off some lanterns this evening, you should note that this act is banned in parts of the UK as they can be a fire hazard.
MORE : Top chef Ching-He Huang shares her Asian food tips in time for Chinese New Year
MORE : How to make a Chinese lantern for Chinese New Year
Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your views in the remarks listed below.
Get your need-to-know
newest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more
