Researched by: Kylie Chin, Rebecca Fuzaylov, and Selina Zheng

Origin Behind The Chinese Lanterns Hung Along Chinatown

Lanterns are symbols of fortune and prosperity. While practically it serves as a source of light or decoration, but culturally lanterns are seen as a sign of vitality, social status, and good luck. In Chinese culture, there is a holiday (the first holiday of the Lunar year) celebrating the lantern called the Lantern Festival (which occurs 15 days after Chinese New Year). Traditionally, people eat glutinous, sticky dumplings, called tangyuan (sweet) or yuanxiao (savory), on this day. According to Britannica, the Lantern Festival is said to have originated from as far back as the Han dynasty. This custom started with Buddhist monks who lit the lanterns to honor the Buddha, and the general population of China (or then the Han dynasty) adopted this practice and from there, it spread to become what it is today. In a religious light, lanterns are the guiding light for the ancestors to make their way back to their respective families. Ancestors are extremely honored in Chinese culture, and the spirit of a family’s ancestors protects the family. The souls of ancestors are thought to visit their family during the New Year. Cities in China have lanterns of various shapes and sizes. A fun activity unique to this holiday is the riddles Lantern owners write on the lanterns, and solving the riddles is one of the most popular activities during the festival. The color of lanterns represents different wishes as well (changes the meaning of the lantern):

• • Red: wealth, fame, and prosperity
  • Yellow: good luck and neutrality (often released by students because it is said to bring good luck in exams)
  • Green: health, prosperity, growth, and harmony.