The Lantern Festival

[Randy W]

. . . from the SCMP

I've never heard it called Chinese Valentine's Day, but, well, okay!

Lantern Festival: five things you need to know about the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day

1. It’s more than 2,000 years old

Releasing the lanterns, which are red for good luck, symbolises people letting go of their past selves and embracing new identities for the coming year.

2. It’s also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day

Traditionally, the festival was one of few days in the year when unmarried women were allowed outside without a chaperone, giving them the chance to socialise with potential suitors. Lighting lanterns is also seen as a sign of a hope for blossoming romances.

3. Hongkongers can celebrate it at several public events - or just enjoy a family meal

4. It marks the end of New Year taboos

Among the concepts thought to bring bad luck are a crying child, a hospital visit, ripped clothes, breaking tools or equipment and giving gifts such as scissors and clocks. Lantern Festival signifies the end of these taboos – until next year.

5. It’s even got its own Google Doodle

although this doesn't look like the same one

https://www.google.com.hk/

Edited January 3, 2021 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

Some pictures collected by the Shanghaiist from across China. I looked out our window, but didn't see any of the sky lanterns this year.

 

China celebrates Lantern Festival

 

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/lantern_chongqing2.jpg

 

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/lantern_lanzhou2.jpg

 

http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/alexlinder/lantern_sanhui4.jpg

[Allon]

Randy, you are having entirely too much fun.

[Randy W]

Randy, you are having entirely too much fun.

 

 

Yeah, that was it for this year!

[Randy W]

It's been raining some lately - not sure if it was enough to put a damper on things, or if maybe the sky lanterns were just outlawed! With all the coal dust, it's a wonder they don't cause more fires!

 

You can see some of the stuff that washes out of the air in a light rain, and how it's discolored the bricks in just the five years since they put them in.

 

 

The coal dust seems to have a consistency like atomized papier mache, and can be VERY difficult to scrub out.

[Randy W]

from the Shanghaiist on Facebook

 

"How dragons like to party."

 

https://video-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xtp1/v/t42.1790-2/12775448_982495431787072_1083101093_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjU4OCwicmxhIjo1MTIsInZlbmNvZGVfdGFnIjoic3ZlX3NkIn0%3D&rl=588&vabr=327&oh=1609de2dc4edad179bd331dceea64400&oe=56CF0E75

[Randy W]

Some pictures I took here in Yulin a few years back . . .

 

Edited March 7, 2018 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Allon]

There are times when I miss China and I wasn't even there for long. Like the pictures.....