An Authentic Chinese New Year Sky Lantern Festival was held at Spanish Banks, Vancouver on Friday, February 7th.
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In parts of Asia, the festival is typically celebrated on the 15th (last) day of the Chinese New Year period to mark the end of the holiday.
Some of the lanterns are works of art, in the shapes of animals or painted with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs, and scenes from legends and history.
According to one of the most common legends, the origins of the Sky Lantern Festival dates back more than 2,000 years when Chinese villagers were forced away from their homes by raiders. Village watchmen would use small “hot air balloons” as a signal to inform those who had taken refuge that their homes were now safe to return to.
Falling on February 14th, 2014, the Lantern Festival marks the last day of the Chinese New Year season. Traditionally, the Lantern Festival is a day for lovers. In the past, it was the one day of the year when a woman could come out – chaperoned, of course! – and be seen by eligible single men. In the days when women’s feet were bound, it was often the one time when she could appear in public with unbound feet. Of course, these restrictions no longer exist, but there is still a hint of romance in the air at the Lantern Festival celebrations.
These days, the mass release of the lanterns is a symbol of peace and good fortune. People are also encouraged to write messages on the lanterns and hope that their wishes come true. The largest of such celebrations is in the town of Pinxi, Taiwan (one hour away from Taipei) where millions flock to each year to release and watch the ascension of as many as 100,000 lanterns.
Some of the lanterns are works of art, in the shapes of animals or painted with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs, and scenes from legends and history.
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