While many people are gradually returning to the routines of their daily lives following the celebrations of the Spring Festival, others are busy preparing for the arrival of the Yuanxiao Festival.
Also called the Lantern Festival, this event is an important traditional occasion, falling on the 15th day of the first month on the lunar calendar.
"Yuan" means "first" while "xiao" means "night." With the two characters combined, the word refers to the first time that the full moon is seen in a New Year.
Similar to the Mid-Autumn Festival, this celebration is considered an evening for family reunions.
To highlight the festival, people are expected to eat small dumplings, also called "yuanxiao", that are made of glutinous rice flour with fillings that range from red bean paste to minced meat.
The symbolism of the dumplings' shape is more important than the taste. Their roundness is considered harmonious with the full moon of that night.
But don't forget other traditional customs of the Yuanxiao Festival.
These include firework displays and riddle-guessing contests, but the most important observance is the lantern show, for which the occasion is also named the "Lantern Festival."
On the night of the festival, people are expected to go to the streets to appreciate varying sorts of elaborate and brightly decorated lanterns, an often unforgettable experience.
In the city of Harbin, fantastic lanterns are carved from large blocks of ice and gorgeously illuminated with colored electric lights. Such ice lanterns will stand for people's appreciation until the ice melts away with the arrival of spring.
There are numerous theories about the origin of lantern shows. It's possible that the original purpose was to honor the Buddha, but a more interesting story attributes the creation to a homesick palace maid named Yuanxiao.
The girl told the Emperor that the God of Fire would set fire to the city unless he was appeased with a scene of burning. Accordingly, the Emperor ordered that firecrackers be set off and bright red lanterns hung throughout the streets.
The ensuing noise and confusion allowed Yuanxiao to slip home unnoticed for a brief family reunion.
The Lantern Festival is also a moment for lovers.
In the past, it was the one day of the year when a lady could come out chaperoned and be seen by eligible single men, and such a tradition implies a hint of romance in the air during the Lantern Festival celebrations.
(People?s Daily February 26, 2002)
