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Jun 21, 2009

What is the significance of lanterns in Chinese culture?

Signalling the close of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the lantern festival occurs on the first full moon. Lanterns represent the completion of this period of harmony and 'roundness' because they lead the way home for festival guests. The day of lanterns sends the blessing of harmony, order and unity to remain with everyone for the rest of the year. Like the glowing orbs of the lantern festival, the eating of rice dumplings called 'tang yuan', glutinous rice balls with a sweet filling, also symbolises the wish that life runs sweetly and smoothly.

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