The Origin of Lantern Show
2 min readThe Origin of Lantern Show
Lantern show is the major folk activity of Lantern Festival or Yuanxiao Jie，which falls on the 15th of the first month of the Chinese New Year.The name derives itself from the fact that the first lunar month is called yuan month and in the ancient times people called night xiao.The 15th day is the first night to see a full moon.So the day is also called Yuanxiao Festival in China.According to the Chinese tradition，at the very beginning of a new year，when there is a bright full moonhanging in the sky，there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate.At this time，people will try to solve the puzzles on the lanterns and eat yuanxiao（sticky rice ball with sweet stuffs）and get all their families united in the joyful atmosphere.Compared with the Spring Festival，which emphasizes family reunion，Lantern Festival is an occasion of entertainment.
How to Make a Lantern
The lanterns usually are made of thin bamboo strips，straw，rattan，metal or animal horns and covered with red paper or gauze.They come in various shapes andsizes.Some are classified as palace lanterns while others are revolving lanterns that feature fables or pictures of animals.Now technology and electronics are being used in festival lanterns，and neon lights side by side with traditional Chinese paper lanterns add more festivity to the holiday for both urban and rural dwellers.
