Lantern Festival Customs: Light Up the New Year's Perfection

The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the grand finale of the Spring Festival. It symbolizes light and reunion, carrying warm wishes for the new year. For the 2026 Year of the Horse, these classic traditions fill the festival with joy and good fortune:

Lantern Viewing

The heart of the festival. Streets and parks are decorated with all kinds of lanterns, especially horse-shaped ones for the Year of the Horse, glowing bright red against the night. Families walk through the sea of lanterns together—people believe the bright lights drive away bad luck and bring a smooth, prosperous new year.

Lantern Riddles

Riddles about Chinese characters, poems and common sense are pasted on lanterns. Visitors gather to guess them, with small gifts for the winners. This fun tradition adds a touch of wisdom and joy to the festival.

Eating Tangyuan

Glutinous rice balls with sweet or savory fillings, their round shape symbolizing family reunion (matching the full moon of the day). Families cook and share tangyuan together, savoring the sweet taste and wishing for a perfect, harmonious new year.