

In ancient times, unmarried women were not allowed to go out of the house. The Chinese Lantern Festival provided an opportunity for them to stroll freely, lighting lanterns, playing games, and interacting with men. Is Yuanxiao Jie the Real Chinese Valentine's Day?Ĭhina's Lantern Festival is one of the romantic traditional Chinese festivals. 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 believed that the custom of eating tangyuan originated during the Song Dynasty era, and became popular during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynastic periods. Yuanxiao can be boiled, fried, or steamed, and are customarily served in fermented rice soup, called tianjiu (甜酒 tiánjiǔ /tyen-jyoh/ 'sweet liquor'). It, therefore, symbolizes family reunion, harmony, and happiness.

It is a way for people to pray that they will have smooth futures and to express their best wishes for their families.

Lighting lanterns symbolize "illuminating the future". The (traditional) lanterns are almost always red to invoke good fortune. Lanterns are seen everywhere including in houses, shopping malls, parks, and streets. Lighting and appreciating lanterns is the main activity of Yuan Xiao Jie.
