Home > China Feature |
What Is a Chinese Lantern Parade and When Is it?
The parade during the Chinese Lantern Festival has often been depicted in movies showcasing Chinese culture. This vibrant and colorful parade marks a very important holiday tradition--the Chinese New Year. Origins Time of Year Early Traditions Current Traditions
History
The Chinese Lantern Festival has been celebrated for over 2,000 years, beginning during the Han Dynasty.
Many legends are told about the tradition's origins, some springing from Taoist beliefs, others from historic events.
The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the last day of the Chinese New Year celebration, which runs for two weeks prior to the festival. It is on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese New Year and generally occurs in February or early March on the American calendar. This day is also called the Chinese Valentine's Day.
Traditionally, Chinese adults and children alike gathered together and carried their own personally decorated, paper lanterns down the street.
In more contemporary parades, large, elaborate electric lanterns have replaced the original candlelit lanterns. However, traces of many of the old traditions still remain.
Art
moreChina Beijing International Diet ...
Recently, The hit CCTV documentary, A Bite of China, shown at 10:40 ...
Exhibition of Ancient Chinese Jad...
At least 8,000 years ago, Chinese ancestors discovered a beautiful...
Longmen Grottoes
The Longmen Grottoes, located near Luoyang, Henan Province, are a tr...
Custom
moreWeb Dictionary
Martial Arts
Tai Chi Master Class Held in Moscow
MOSCOW, June 15, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Students learn from Shaolin ...
Celebriting 70 years' efforts in restoring Mogao...
Work is being carried out at the restoration site of cave No 98 a...
Hong Kong Children's Symphony performs in Seattle
Under the theme of Tribute to the Golden Age, a concert featuring a ...