Lantern Festival in Singapore

Under the dark winter sky, a magical world of glowing lights and vibrant colors comes to life, ready to warm your heart and brighten your spirit—it’s the Lantern Festival! Known as the Shang Yuan Festival or Yuan Xiao Jie, this ancient Chinese New Year Lantern Festival celebration marks the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, lighting up the night with beauty and tradition.

Curious to learn more about the Lantern Festival and its rich history? Explore BusyKidd’s Guide for all the details!

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Singapore Night Festival, Light Shows In Singapore, Best Places to Watch Fireworks in Singapore.

When is the Lantern Festival celebrated in 2023, 2024, or 2025?

The Lantern Festival is such a magical way to wrap up the Chinese New Year celebrations! It’s that time when families gather, the sky fills with glowing lanterns, and there’s this sense of warmth and hope for the new year ahead. Held on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, it’s all about lighting up the night with beautifully crafted lanterns and coming together with loved ones to welcome the first full moon of the year in Singapore. For us moms, it’s a great excuse to get the family out for some bonding time and create lasting memories. Plus, who can resist the yummy tangyuan, those sweet, glutinous rice balls that bring joy with every bite?

In 2023, we celebrated the Lantern Festival on February 5th, with the streets and parks transforming into stunning displays of lanterns. From cute animals to legendary dragons, each lantern had a story to tell, and the kids were in awe! It was the perfect way to round off the CNY lantern festivities, and as always, we made it a family outing filled with laughter and, of course, loads of photos.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for February 24th, 2024, and February 12th, 2025. It’s a light festival in Singapore that never gets old, with every year bringing something new to enjoy. Whether you’re soaking in the beauty of lantern displays or watching the excitement in your little ones’ eyes as they carry their own lanterns, it’s one celebration you won’t want to miss!

History of Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival, with over 2,000 years of history, began during the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD). Emperor Wen saw Buddhist monks lighting lanterns and extended this practice to everyone, turning it into a widespread tradition.

The festival marks the end of winter and celebrates the coming of longer days. It’s also linked to various legends, including stories of the God of Heaven, Taiyi, and the Taoist deity Tianguan. One popular tale involves a crane that, when killed, led to a tradition of lighting lanterns and setting off firecrackers to trick the Jade Emperor into sparing a village from destruction.

Another story is about Yuan-Xiao, a maid who missed her family. A wise advisor’s plan to light lanterns and cook tangyuan (sweet dumplings) tricked the God of Fire, leading to Yuan-Xiao’s reunion with her family and the festival being named after her.

The Lantern Festival also aligns with the Chinese Zodiac, with the animal sign changing each year.

How to Celebrate Lantern Festival

Here’s how you can dive into the Lantern Festival fun.

Lantern Displays

Turn your neighborhood into a lantern wonderland! Hang up lanterns of all kinds—paper, silk, or even metal ones—in various shapes. From adorable animal lanterns to classic round ones, you’ll find all sorts of creative designs lighting up the streets. Lantern parades can be a magical sight too!

Lantern Lighting

Grab a lantern and light it up. You can use small handheld ones or go big with larger lanterns that float up into the sky or on water. It’s a lovely way to let go of the old and embrace the new, watching those lanterns drift away into the night.

Riddle Fun

Some lanterns come with riddles on them. Gather your family and friends for a fun challenge—try to solve the riddles together! It’s a playful way to get everyone involved and add a bit of brain-teasing excitement to the festivities.

Feast on Treats

Indulge in some traditional goodies like yuanxiao (sweet dumplings) and tangyuan (sweet rice balls). These treats are not just delicious but also symbolize family unity and good fortune. Perfect for sharing with loved ones!

Enjoy Performances

Head out to watch traditional Chinese music, dance, and acrobatics. These performances are lively and entertaining, adding a festive spark to the celebration.

Fireworks Extravaganza

Cap off the evening with a spectacular fireworks display. The bright, colorful explosions in the sky are a delightful way to end the Singapore Light Festival, bringing joy and wonder to everyone watching.

How to Make a Fire Lantern

Making fire lanterns can be a fun and visually stunning activity, but it’s important to do so responsibly. Here’s a simple guide on how to make your own fire lantern.

Gather Materials

• Paper (like rice paper or tissue paper)
• Frame (wire or bamboo works well)
• Fuel source (small candle or oil lamp)
• Scissors, glue, or tape

Cut the Paper

Cut your paper into a large rectangle or square. You’ll need enough to cover your frame and shape the lantern.

Assemble the Frame

Create a frame using wire or bamboo. You can use a pre-made frame or build your own. Ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the paper and fuel source.

Cover the Frame

Attach the paper to the frame using glue or tape. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases to make sure your lantern is well-formed. Add extra paper if needed to fill gaps.

Add the Fuel Source

Secure the candle or lamp at the bottom of the lantern. Make sure it’s stable and well-contained. The fuel should be appropriate for the size of your lantern.

Light the Lantern

Light the fuel source and carefully lift the lantern into the air. Be cautious and follow any local regulations or guidelines about releasing fire lanterns.

Remember: While fire lanterns are beautiful, they can pose risks to the environment, wildlife, and people. Always use them responsibly and check local regulations before releasing them into the sky.

Traditions of the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival is such a beautiful way to wrap up Chinese New Year celebrations, and it’s all about light, family, and fun! The main highlight? Those stunning, colorful lanterns that everyone looks forward to seeing. Parades light up the streets, fireworks burst in the sky, and traditional dance and music performances bring the festival to life. It’s also the perfect time for kids (and grown-ups!) to test their wits by solving riddles written on the lanterns, which makes it even more engaging for families.

Finding Love

Back in the day, the Lantern Festival was a bit like Valentine’s Day. Young singles would wander the streets, with chaperones of course, in hopes of meeting someone special. Matchmakers were hard at work, and the brightest lanterns were seen as symbols of luck and love. While this part of the festival has faded away in modern times, especially in places like Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, it’s still a charming reminder of how festivals used to connect people.

Tangyuan or Yuanxiao

No Lantern Festival is complete without enjoying tangyuan or yuanxiao—those round, glutinous rice balls that are not only delicious but also super symbolic. Whether you call them tangyuan (like we do in Southern China, Taiwan, and here in Singapore) or yuanxiao (if you’re in Northern China), they’re pretty similar. Filled with sweet goodness like red bean paste, sesame, or peanut butter, these sticky treats are believed to represent family unity. Some are boiled, some are fried, but no matter how you make them, sharing a bowl is like wishing your family harmony, happiness, and a whole lot of luck for the year ahead!

The Lantern Festival Through the Centuries

The Lantern Festival has been lighting up China for over a thousand years! It all started back in the 6th century during the Sui dynasty, when Emperor Yang invited foreign guests to marvel at China’s vibrant lantern displays and enjoy grand performances. Fast forward to the Tang dynasty in the 7th century, and the festival was a three-day affair where even curfews were lifted so people could soak in the beauty of the lanterns day and night. Poets of the time often wrote about the joyful scenes, capturing the magic of the lantern-lit nights.

By the Song dynasty, the celebrations stretched to five days, and the tradition spread across big cities in China. Today, the Lantern Festival continues to be a highlight on the 15th day of the first lunar month. In cities like Chengdu, it’s an impressive sight—Culture Park becomes a sea of lanterns, with new and creative designs each year. One of the main attractions is the Dragon Pole, a golden dragon-shaped lantern wrapped around a 38-meter-high pole, spitting fireworks from its mouth! In cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai, traditional paper and wooden lanterns sit alongside electric and neon ones, blending old and new styles.

Festivities

If you ever wonder what ancient celebrations looked like, there’s a famous painting from 1485 of the Chenghua Emperor enjoying the festival with his family in the Forbidden City. It shows everything from acrobats to magic shows and firecrackers. Even today, popular activities like lion dances, walking on stilts, and dragon dances are still part of the fun.

One beloved tradition that goes way back to the Song dynasty is solving lantern riddles (cai deng mi). Hosts paste riddles on the lanterns, and participants solve them to guess the hidden side. The riddles cover all sorts of topics—from ancient poems and proverbs to animals and flowers. If you guess correctly, you win a “riddle reward”, which could be anything from writing brushes to fruit or even a little snack! It’s a fun, family-friendly activity that has remained a key part of the Lantern Festival spirit.

Aren’t fire lanterns harmful to the environment?

Fire lanterns may look pretty, but they’re not great for the environment. They can start fires if they land on dry grass or trees, and the paper and wire used to make them don’t break down easily, adding to litter. Animals can also get hurt if they eat or get tangled in the lantern remains.

Because of these risks, many places have banned or regulated fire lanterns. But there are safer ways to enjoy the Lantern Festival! You can use non-flammable lanterns or join in other fun traditions like solving riddles on lanterns or eating tangyuan with your family.

Lantern Festival with Your Kids: Fun Ideas for a Memorable Celebration

Looking to make Lantern Festival a blast for your kids? Here are some creative and fun ways to get the whole family involved.

DIY Lantern Craft

Gather some colorful paper, glue, and stickers, and let your kids go wild creating their own lanterns. It’s a great hands-on activity that also decorates your home with festive cheer.

Lantern Parade at Home

Once your lanterns are ready, host a mini parade in your living room or garden. Crank up some upbeat music and let the kids strut their stuff with their glowing creations!

Sweet Dumpling Fun

Whip up some tangyuan (sweet rice balls) together. It’s not just about eating; it’s a chance to teach your kids about this tasty tradition and enjoy a little kitchen fun.

Riddle Scavenger Hunt

Turn solving lantern riddles into a game. Hide riddles around the house for a fun scavenger hunt. It’s a clever way to keep kids entertained and thinking.

Outdoor Lantern Viewing

If you’ve got good weather, head to a nearby park or community event. Many places host lantern displays and live performances that are perfect for a family outing.

Story Time

Share some Lantern Festival tales with your little ones. It’s a great way to connect them with the festival’s traditions and make the celebration educational as well as fun.

With these ideas, you’ll turn the Lantern Festival into a joyful and memorable experience for your whole family. Have a fantastic time celebrating and making memories together!

FAQ: Lantern Festival Fun

What is the Lantern Festival about?

The Lantern Festival is a vibrant celebration that marks the end of the New Year festivities. Families gather to enjoy colorful lantern displays, eat sweet glutinous rice balls (tangyuan), and solve lantern riddles. It’s a time for joy and family togetherness, with many also enjoying traditional performances and fireworks.

Why is the Floating Lantern Festival celebrated?

The Floating Lantern Festival, often known as Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Thailand, is celebrated to symbolically release old burdens and welcome new beginnings. People write their wishes or concerns on lanterns and release them into the sky or float them on water. This beautiful tradition is meant to bring good luck and fresh starts.

What are some traditional foods enjoyed during the Lantern Festival?

During the Lantern Festival, people enjoy tangyuan (sweet rice balls) filled with ingredients like red bean paste or sesame. In some regions, they also eat yuanxiao, which are similar but made differently. These round treats symbolize family unity and good fortune.

Can I join Lantern Festival activities in Singapore?

Yes, Singapore hosts several Lantern Festival events each year, especially during Chinese New Year. You can enjoy lantern displays, cultural performances, and festive markets. Popular spots include Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown Light Up Lantern Festival.

What kind of lanterns are used in the festival?

Lanterns come in many shapes and sizes. You’ll see everything from traditional paper lanterns to intricate designs like dragons and flowers. Some are simple and round, while others are elaborate and themed, often reflecting the year’s zodiac animal.

How do people celebrate the Lantern Festival in different countries?

In China, the festival often includes lantern displays, dragon dances, and riddle-solving. In Taiwan, it’s common to see large lanterns and fireworks. In Thailand, the Floating Lantern Festival sees thousands of lanterns released into the sky and floated on water.

Are there any special customs or rituals during the Lantern Festival?

Yes, aside from enjoying lanterns and food, people often light lanterns to make wishes for the year ahead. Solving lantern riddles is also a popular activity. In some places, there are also traditional performances like lion dances and acrobatics.

What should I know before attending a Lantern Festival event?

Check the event schedule and ticket prices in advance. Dress comfortably and prepare for crowds. Many festivals in Singapore have specific rules about food, drinks, and activities. It’s a good idea to arrive early to find parking and get the best view of the lantern displays.

Where is the Lantern Festival in Thailand?

In Thailand, the Lantern Festival, or Yi Peng, is most famously celebrated in Chiang Mai. Every November, the sky lights up with thousands of floating lanterns, and rivers are adorned with glowing lanterns. It’s a spectacular sight that attracts visitors from all over the world.

How much is the Lantern Festival in Sentosa?

Sentosa Sky Lantern Festival typically features a range of ticket prices, usually between SGD 20 and SGD 40 for adults. Children often enjoy discounted or free entry. Prices can vary depending on the year and specific event details, so it’s best to check Sentosa’s official website or event page for the most current information.

Images Credit: Eventbrite.sg