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Lantern Festival: five things you need to know about the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day

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A girl rides her bike past giant lanterns in Changchun, northeast China’s Jilin Province. Photo: Xinhua/Lin Hong
Rachel Blundy

Today in Hong Kong, across China and around the world, millions of people will come together to celebrate Lantern Festival, or Chinese Valentine’s Day. The event is characterised by its iconic red Chinese lanterns, which are lit to represent hope for the year ahead. Here we take you through the traditions and meanings behind this ancient festival.

1. It’s more than 2,000 years old

Lantern Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year – as the first full moon appears. Its origins date back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 25), when Buddhist monks would light lanterns in order to worship Buddha. Releasing the lanterns, which are red for good luck, symbolises people letting go of their past selves and embracing new identities for the coming year.

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A woman walks past lanterns at an exhibition of lanterns in Handan, in China’s northern Hebei province. Photo: AFP
A woman walks past lanterns at an exhibition of lanterns in Handan, in China’s northern Hebei province. Photo: AFP

2. It’s also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day

Traditionally, the festival was one of few days in the year when unmarried women were allowed outside without a chaperone, giving them the chance to socialise with potential suitors. Lighting lanterns is also seen as a sign of a hope for blossoming romances.

People take photos of colorful lanterns at Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza. Photo: Xinhua
People take photos of colorful lanterns at Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza. Photo: Xinhua

3. Hongkongers can celebrate it at several public events - or just enjoy a family meal

The Hong Kong government has installed a lantern exhibition outside the Cultural Centre as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations. The lanterns come in all shapes, colours and sizes; animals of the Chinese zodiac are among those featured.
Children look at Monkey-themed lanterns at the New Territories East Lunar New Year Carnival in Po Tsui Park, New Territories, Hong Kong. Photo: EPA
Children look at Monkey-themed lanterns at the New Territories East Lunar New Year Carnival in Po Tsui Park, New Territories, Hong Kong. Photo: EPA

A free lantern carnival will also take place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui from 7.30-10.30pm.

Alternatively, families simply gather after dinner to eat yuan xiao or tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) which resemble the shape of the full moon and symbolise family unity. They might also play games, try to solve puzzles attached to lanterns, and watch theatrical lion dances and fireworks displays.
An exhibition of lanterns in Handan, in China’s northern Hebei province. Photo: AFP
An exhibition of lanterns in Handan, in China’s northern Hebei province. Photo: AFP

4. It marks the end of New Year taboos

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