The Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Festival) marks the culmination of the Chinese New Year. It falls on the 15th day of the first month of the lunisolar calendar and is a time of joy, reunion and the glow of lights. In 2025, the Lantern Festival falls on 12 February. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, the Lantern Festival is a cherished tradition filled with colourful lanterns, delicious treats and lively activities.
The origins of the Lantern Festival date back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), when it was initially associated with honouring Buddha. Over time, it evolved into a secular celebration of family and togetherness and became more important during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), when elaborate lantern festivals became a popular form of entertainment and symbolised prosperity and good fortune.
One of the most iconic traditions of the festival is the lighting and setting up of lanterns. In ancient times, people believed that lanterns could ward off evil spirits and bring blessings for the coming year. Today, the streets, parks and temples are decorated with glowing lanterns of all shapes and sizes, often depicting elaborate motifs of animals, historical figures or mythical creatures.
Another popular custom is solving lantern riddles. These riddles, written on slips of paper and attached to lanterns, challenge festival-goers to test their wits and knowledge. Those who solve the riddle correctly receive a small prize or simply enjoy the satisfaction of unravelling the mystery. A common lantern riddle, for example, is: "It has hands but no fingers, it tells the time but doesn't speak. What is it?" (Answer: A clock). Dragon and lion dances add to the excitement of the festivities, with performers displaying dazzling acrobatics and rhythmic drumming. These traditional performances are said to bring good luck and drive away bad luck.
No lantern festival is complete without eating tangyuan (or yuanxiao), glutinous rice balls filled with sweet or savoury ingredients. These delicious delicacies symbolise family cohesion and completeness, as their round shape stands for togetherness. However, there is a notable difference between the preparation and consumption of this delicacy in northern and southern China.
In the north, yuanxiao are made by rolling small pieces of firm filling in a bowl of glutinous rice flour until they form round, firm balls. They have a slightly chewier consistency and are often deep-fried or boiled. In the south, tangyuan is made by kneading glutinous rice flour with water to form a dough and then wrapping the filling in it before rolling it into smooth balls. These are usually boiled and served in a warm, sweet soup. Despite these regional differences, both varieties are an essential part of the Lantern Festival and are eaten with equal enthusiasm throughout China.
