Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao)
The first full moon of the lunar new year, lanterns, riddles, and sweet rice balls.
The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the 1st month in the Chinese lunisolar calendar, the first full moon of the new year, usually in February or early March.
When Is Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao)?
The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the 1st month in the Chinese lunisolar calendar, the first full moon of the new year, usually in February or early March.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations on the 15th day (first full moon). In Taoist tradition it is also the birthday of Tianguan, the Heavenly Official who bestows good fortune, and it represents communal gathering, light, and the renewal of social bonds.
How It Is Observed
Lantern displays and processions (intricate paper lanterns in every shape), eating tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), lantern riddle games, dragon dances, fireworks.