Chinese Lantern Festival 2014
Friday February 14 is the last day of the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration that began on January 31 – the start of the Spring Festival and the first lunar month of the year. Known as the Lantern Festival or Yuen Xiao, the celebration this year happens to coincide with Western Valentine’s Day and the Full Snow Moon.
A tradition begun over 2,000 years ago in China during the Han Dynasty, today’s Lantern Festival is considered one of the most cheerful and uplifting events celebrated around the world by people young and old. Families, couples and young children gather together with optimism for the coming year. Candles are lit inside a colorful paper lantern, good wishes are made and lanterns set afloat into the night sky carrying messages of hope, abundance and love. When the lanterns have sailed away out of sight, it is time to get back to work, so enjoy the festivities while they last.
Tomorrow’s full moon Lantern Festival encourages spending time with family, friends and loved ones. Be sure to wear the auspicious color red and set your intentions for a peaceful and prosperous year.
Wishing you good ch’i,
Diane Gallin, CFSC
