Following on from earlier content about the cultural celebrations of the staff here at Bungendore Medica Centre, Dr. Michelle Yin would like to talk to the community about the Chinese Lantern Festival.
China and other Asian countries celebrate the Chinese Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month (Yuan) of the lunar calendar. The holiday marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year.
The Lantern Festival aims to promote reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness.
During the festival, houses are decorated with colourful lanterns. Festival celebrations also include lion and dragon dances, parades, and fireworks. Small glutinous rice balls filled with fruits and nuts, called yuanxiao or tangyuan, are eaten during the festival. The round shape of the balls symbolizes wholeness and unity within the family.
This year’s Chinese Lantern Festival will be Sat. 24th Feb.
Beijing Garden Canberra will hold some activities on that day. Enjoy!
