Chinese Lantern Festival

Lantern Festival in Taipei

Falling on the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar Year, the Lantern Festival takes place under a full moon, and marks the end of Chinese New Year festivities. The Lantern Festival dates back to shrouded legends of the Han Dynasty over 2000 years ago.

Legend of the Lantern Festival's Origin

In one such legend, the Jade Emperor in Heaven was so angered at a town for killing his favorite goose, that he decided to destroy it with a storm of fire. However, a good-hearted fairy heard of this act of vengeance, and warned the people of the town to light lanterns throughout the town on the appointed day. The townsfolk did as they were told, and from the Heavens, it looked as if the village was ablaze. Satisfied that his goose had already been avenged, the Jade Emperor decided not to destroy the town. From that day on, people celebrated the anniversary of their deliverance by carried lanterns of different shapes and colors through the streets on the first full moon of the year, providing a spectacular backdrop for lion dances, dragon dances, and fireworks.

While the Lantern Festival has changed very little over the last two millennia, technological advances have made the celebration more and more complex and visually stimulating. Indeed, the festival as celebrated in some places (such as Taipei, Taiwan) can put even the most garish American Christmas decorations to shame. They often sport unique displays of light that leave the viewer in awe.

Taken from: http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/festival/lantern/lantern.html

Peacock made of blue and white spoons and cups @Baotu Spring in Jinan

Lantern Festival @Baotu Spring in Jinan

On the night of the Lantern Festival, fireworks started at dusk and intensified between 7 and 9. Our 2nd floor apartment was surrounded with fireworks, smoke and firecrackers setting off in the courtyard below. It was indeed like living in the war zone. Elwin came into the kitchen several times thinking something was burning in the kitchen. The noises went on until about 1 AM. We were glad the celebration finally waned down. Below is a short video of the fireworks.