THE LANTERN FESTIVAL – February 21, 2008

The Lantern Festival or Yuanxiao Jie is a traditional Chinese festival, which falls on the 15th of the first month of the Chinese New Year. It is the last day of two week long Chinese New Year cerebration. Everyone gathers to enjoy the beautiful lanterns. Children will carry their own lanterns to participate in the showcase. Usually there is competition for the most beautiful lantern. Some of the lanterns may be works of art, painted with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs, and scenes from legend and history. People hang glowing lanterns in temples, and carry lanterns to an evening parade under the light of the full moon.