Twilight on the savanna

The Chinese Lantern Festival celebrations begin on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year. It is a spring festival, often called the Chinese Valentine's Day. People gather outside in parks and other natural areas, under bright red Chinese lanterns, picnic with family and friends, and celebrate with dancing and food. The celebration has a 2000 year history. It marks the end of Chinese New Year taboos, marking the return of spring and the reunion of families.


Lion dances are frequently performed during the Lantern festival to ward off evil and pray for good fortune and safety. The Lion was regarded by the ancient Chinese as a symbol of bravery and strength and symbols of the lion were thought to protect home and livestock.