Lanmeng Bathroom | Lantern Festival, when flowers bloom, the moon is full, and families reunite; Amidst the twinkling lights, we share this splendid night.
2026-02-26
As the saying goes, “The New Year lasts until the fifteenth day,”
and only after the Lantern Festival does the Spring Festival truly draw to a close.
The fifteenth day of the first lunar month marks the Chinese Lantern Festival,
also known as the “First Moon Festival.”
As the first full moon of the lunar calendar,
it embodies people's hopeful aspirations for the new year.
Glowing lanterns and moonlight bright,
On this splendid night of the Upper Yuan,
We gather in reunion and offer prayers to close the year.
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Upper Yuan Festival, Little New Year, Yuanxi, or Lantern Festival, falls on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month each year. The first lunar month is called “Yuan” in ancient Chinese, and the fifteenth night is the first full moon of the year, hence the name “Yuanxiao Festival.” According to Taoist “Three Yuan” tradition, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month is also called the “Upper Yuan Festival.”
Eating Yuanxiao
“Yuanxiao” is the northern Chinese term, while southerners call them “tangyuan.” These names sound similar to “tuanyuan” (reunion), symbolizing family unity. On this night of the full moon, people wish for their families to gather together in harmony and happiness.
Lantern Festivities
During Emperor Ming of Han's Yongping era (58-75 AD), the emperor ordered lanterns to be lit in palaces and temples on the fifteenth night to honor Buddhism. This practice later spread from imperial courts to the common people.
Guessing Lantern Riddles
Also known as “solving lantern riddles,” this activity adds refined charm to the festive atmosphere of the Lantern Festival. Riddles written on paper strips are affixed to colorful lanterns for people to decipher. Since the riddles are displayed on lanterns, they are called “lantern riddles.”
Door and Household Offerings
Among the ancient “Seven Offerings,” these represent two distinct rites. The ritual involves placing willow branches above doorways, inserting a pair of chopsticks into bowls of bean porridge, or directly placing offerings of wine and meat before the door.
Stilt Walking
Stilt walking is a popular folk performance art. Stilt walking originated as one of the ancient Chinese acrobatic arts, appearing as early as the Spring and Autumn Period. The earliest Chinese reference to stilt walking is found in the Liezi: “There was a man named Lanzi from Song who sought employment with the ruler of Song through his skills. The ruler summoned him to demonstrate his artistry.”
Dragon Lantern Dance
The dragon is a Chinese totem, revered by the Chinese people as a symbol of good fortune. The festive atmosphere of dragon lantern dances on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, filled with song and dance, is celebrated in many regions.
Lion Dance
Lion dance, also known as “Taiping Le,” is typically performed by three people: one as the lion's head, one as the body and hind legs, and another guiding the lion. It is an outstanding form of Chinese folk art. During the Lantern Festival or gatherings and celebrations, lion dances are often performed to add to the festivities. This custom originated during the Three Kingdoms period, became popular during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and has a history of over a thousand years.
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