Clear, which lies in the Guangdong Province of China, is known for its annual Lantern Festival or Yuan Xiao Jie that is widely celebrated in the city. One of the areas that celebrate the festival with great pomp and show every year is the county of Lianzhou. The festival marks the end of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations, which lasts for 15 days. The Lianzhou Yuan Xiao Jie is an outstanding showcase of local culture and a must-attend event.
The Lianzhou Yuan Xiao Jie has been celebrated for over a thousand years, and has deep roots in Chinese culture. According to historical records, an emperor of the Tang Dynasty who lived between 618 and 907 AD, once made an important decree. His instruction was that on the 15th day of the first lunar month, during the Lantern Festival, everybody should light lanterns and solve puzzles, which would drive away evil spirits and ensure people brilliant prospects for the coming year. Since then, solving puzzles has become an essential custom for the traditional festival.
The Lantern Festival, or the Yuan Xiao Jie, is known for its exquisite traditional food, one of which is the rice dumpling or Tang Yuan. These dumplings are made from rice flour and are filled with a variety of fillings like sesame paste, peanuts, and red bean paste. The Lianzhou Tang Yuan is famous for its unique taste and is an absolute must-try when attending the Lianzhou Yuan Xiao Jie.
The essence of the festival is the lighting of the lanterns. The Lianzhou Yuan Xiao Jie features a colorful display of lanterns, with people releasing them into the sky, the river or on the ground, creating a breathtaking sight. The lanterns are often inscribed with riddles, and whoever solves the riddle will receive a prize. This creates an atmosphere of fun and excitement, especially for the young generation.
The festival also features traditional performances like the Dragon and Lion dances. These dances are a representation of the ancient Chinese beliefs of driving away evil forces and bringing good luck. The dances are performed with vibrant movements, colorful costumes, and the beating of drums. Spectators are always left in awe by the cultural performances.
The Lianzhou Yuan Xiao Jie is a perfect display of Chinese culture and traditions, and it is a must-attend event for anyone visiting Guangdong Province. The lighting of the lanterns, the making of rice dumplings, and the traditional performances all come together to create an unforgettable occasion. Join the coasts of revelers in Lianzhou for an experience that celebrates both the new year and the power of Chinese culture.
