Chinese traditional festivals：Lantern Festival

Chinese traditional festivals：Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival in 2026 falls on March 3rd, Tuesday, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. This day is not only the last important festival in the Spring Festival customs, but also coincides with a rare total lunar eclipse. The astronomical wonder and the traditional festive occasion "come together in a rare coincidence", which is truly a rare occurrence.

The main customs of the Lantern Festival

‌Viewing the lanterns‌

The Lantern Festival is also known as the "Lantern Festival". There has been a tradition of viewing lanterns since the Han Dynasty, and it became a legal custom in the Tang Dynasty. Nowadays, large lantern festivals are held in various places, such as the Beihai Park in Beijing, the Selfou Lantern Festival in Sichuan, and the Ice Lantern Festival in Harbin. The lights are dazzling and the atmosphere is lively.

Eating Yuanxiao (Tangyuan)

There are slight differences between the north and the south: in the north, "rolling yuanxiao" is done; in the south, "making tangyuan" is the method. Although the methods are different, they all symbolize reunion and happiness. It is worth noting that the custom of eating tangyuan did not exist since ancient times; it gradually became popular around the Southern Song Dynasty.

Guessing Riddles

Also known as "Telling Riddles", it originated from the riddles of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. It officially became an aspect of the Lantern Festival during the Song Dynasty. People wrote riddles on colorful lanterns for people to guess, which not only added fun but also enlightened wisdom.

Dragon and lion dances, pole walking, and other folk performances

In various places, there are also folk activities such as dragon lantern dancing, lion dancing, rowing barges on dry land, and dancing the yangko, all expressing wishes for a bountiful harvest and good fortune.