Yuan Xiao (Lantern Festival)

Yuan Xiao, also known as the Lantern Festival, marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations, typically occurring on the 15th day of the lunar calendar's first month. Celebrants light and display decorative lanterns, often with intricate designs or riddles. The festival symbolizes family reunions, peace, and the hope for a prosperous year. Traditional activities include lion dances, dragon dances, and eating yuanxiao (sweet rice dumplings). It is a vibrant cultural event that combines storytelling, artistry, and communal festivities, reflecting China’s rich heritage and the enduring importance of light and renewal in Chinese culture.