The Lantern Festival has been part of Chinese New Year celebrations since the Han Dynasty (206 BC-221 AD). It usually held on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, which marks the end of New Year festivities.
Origin
The fffteenth day is the ffrst night one can see a full moon in that lunar year. According to Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate.
Lanterns
The lanterns come in all shapes and sizes. Some are created in the form of animals, insects, flowers, people or even buildings.
Entertainment
Stilt-walking, drumming, dragon and lion dancing are all traditional forms of festival entertainment. It is common to see hundred-foot long dragons, lit with ffashing eyes and luminous bodies, accompanied by pounding drums, cymbals and brass instruments.