Lantern Festival: A Vibrant Finale To The Spring Festival
The Chinese Lunar New Year which is usually celebrated during the latter part of
January up until mid February is the most significant festival of the Chinese calendar. This vibrant and exciting festival which is also known as the Spring Festival takes place for 15 days. The end of the festival happens in grand style with the enchanting Lantern Festival. It is held spectacularly in the evening of the final day of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations.The fascinating Lantern Festival according to long lived Chinese tradition is held under a breathtaking full moon and therefore it is also popular as the Feast of the First Full Moon. This magical fun filled event is one of Beijings most loved, visited and sought after festivals.
Beijings Lantern Festival is an age old celebration held since ancient times and it is considered a festival that brings the suns warmth and light following the chilly winter season. Locals bring praise and worship to God during this festival in order to be blessed with rain for better cultivation in spring.
As the name implies, this intriguingly unique festival is abundant with colorful lanterns made of paper. The lanterns at the festival are both for display purposes and for sale. Visitors will find lanterns of different shapes and sizes from square, cubical, oblong, round, quadruped to animal shaped lanterns. Visitors will also come across special lanterns crafted dexterously according to different human shapes symbolizing gods and goddesses. Most of these lanterns come in colours like yellow, blue and red signifying festivity and happiness. There are also an impressive and expensive collection of lanterns that reveal stories from history. These lanterns are usually covered in white silk or gauze.
Apart from the captivating collection of lanterns, the lantern festival in Beijing holds a special place for delectable feasting, decorating homes and prayer. Dance also takes a vital place in this vibrant local festival. Dance forms such as the lion dance and the dragon dance are immensely popular during the festival.
Travelers from all across the world who visit Beijing in order to enjoy and explore the extraordinary Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations wouldnt want to miss out on the Lantern Festival. The best way to discover the beauty of this exceptional fiesta is to stay at a hotel in Beijing. For instance, Raffles Beijing Hotel, China which is an outstanding luxury hotel Beijing is a great place to enjoy comfortable accommodation and luxurious facilities during the festive season.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe Commune With Nature At The Shanghai Zoo Comparison of Canon Rebel T1i and Rebel XSi A Road Dedicated To Shopping Zhongshan Road Buying Jewelry on non-holidays is the best and most meaningful time New Year Celebrations In Beijing: Traditions With A Difference Bird Discovery Centre Singapore - To Get Up - Close And Personal With Birds Cheap Air Tickets Embark on a Ghost Tour Dublin Based For a Spooky Experience The Hybrid Technology Develops As The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid Vehicles Year After Year. Climate Change Factoid - The 2nd Law - Part 3 (#17 of a series) Car Hire Options Canada Climate Change Factoid - How Do We Fix It? - Part Three (# 15 of a series) Easy Car Hire In Canada