Traditional Chinese Lanterns - Lovely Blue Chinese Votive Lanterns for Good Luck! Raising the lantern during Chinese New Year is a 500-year-old Tuntou tradition. They are said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who hang them. Because the lantern is a symbol of luck, the place that it is hung will become prosperous and flourishing. Hang these Chinese candle lanterns in your home to bring prosperity all year long. The History of Chinese Lanterns proves that they have been symbols of hope, rejuvenation, and celebration. The first month of the Chinese calendar is called yuan month, and in ancient times people called night xiao; therefore, the day is called Yuan Xiao Festival in China and Taiwan. The fifteenth day is the first night to see a full moon in that lunar year. According to Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate. At this time, people will try to solve puzzles on lanterns, eat yuanxiao ('元宵'in Chinese) (a glutinous rice ball, also known as simplified Chinese: 汤圆; traditional Chinese: 湯圓; pinyin: tāngyuán) and enjoy a family reunion. The lantern occupies a special place in Chinese tradition. This unique traditional folk craftwork is present till today amongst the Chinese and as such is taken as a prominent symbol of the Chinese culture. Today you will be able to see the Chinese lantern craft work flourish during some special times of the year. The annual Lantern Festival as the name suggests is a festival centered on this very craft work. The Chinese lantern can also be witnessed on other important events like weddings and anniversaries. Chinese votive candle lanterns are not all about symbolism though. In the good old days when electricity was not as yet discovered these lanterns were used to light up the night. They were the only source of illumination that the Chinese people had and hence served as an extremely convenient tool. These beautiful traditional blue Chinese votive candle lanterns are 4" x 10". |