Wednesday, February 23, 2005

15th day of Chinese New Year

I have mentioned in one of my previous posts that the Chinese traditionally celebrates Chinese New Year (otherwise known as the "Spring Festival") over a period of 15 days. Today is the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, and the festival culminates with the celebration of "Yuan Xiao", the first full moon of the new year of the lunar calendar.

According to my source titled Chinese Customs and Festivals in Singapore (published by the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, 1989), "Yuan Xiao" is also known as the "lantern festival" because of the old practice of having colourful lantern displays and processions dating back to the Tang dynasty. "Yuan Xiao" also has special significance for those in love because the full moon that occurs on this night is associated, by the Chinese, with romance and matrimony.

Enough said, I just hope this short post about Yuan Xiao would help give you a brief idea about how Chinese celebrates the Chinese New Year on the 15th day.

No comments: