Exactly 15 days into the first month of the year, the Lantern Festival or Yuan Xiao Jie culminates the end of the Chinese New Years celebration. It coincides with the first full moon in the new year. Because it is the end of the celebrations, one last horray before returning to the normal daily routine, it has also gained the name of "Little New Year".
This holiday was first practiced during the Han Dynasty. Some records indicate that it was done in an effort to promote Buddhism by placing these lanterns as tribute to Buddha. Some parts of China celebrate this festival as a means to light a way home for spirits of loved ones.
Families created lanterns of all shapes and sizes to parade at night through the streets. This was a wonderful family event, with children having the position of honor this night in carrying the lights about. In the early days, these lanterns were simple, with a few ornate ones belonging to high nobleman. Thus, the lantern became a symbol of wealth for the family, the better the lantern the better the impression you made on your neighbors as to your prosperity and luck.
In olden days, the Lantern festival was also the only time in the year a woman could walk through the strees unchaperoned and curfews were dropped. Matchmakers would wander through the streets in hopes to spot young couples starting to fall in love. That matchmaker would then approach the families the next day to propose favorable connections.
As with all Chinese holidays, food is a key component to this festival. During this festival, people enjoy a sticky, sweet dumplings known as Yuanxiao.
In addition, riddles would be written on the lanterns for people to figure out. Most of the riddles relate to love or about the most current political events. The riddles, in the custom of Chinese riddles and poems, are always lyrical in nature.
Dumpling Soup by Jama Kim RattiganAn appealing story about a young Asian-American celebrating the holiday season with her family. This unique view of the world through the eyes of a Hawaiian girl, brings to light how many cultures can come together to share in some good food and the holiday spirit.
