NC Chinese Lantern Festival

The 4th Annual NC Chinese Lantern Festival kicks off tomorrow, November 23rd at the Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary, NC. The 15,000 light display is hand crafted with silk fabric in China: Zigong, Sichuan, some of which are specifically designed for the N.C. festival. The NC Chinese Lantern Festival is products by Tianyu “Arts & Culture, Inc. and only 3 communities nation-wide enjoy the Chinese lantern festivals during the holiday season. Most of the visiting artisans’ lantern-crafting skills are passed down from one generation to the next. In addition to the beautiful lanterns, the festival welcomes a unique showcase of Chinese culture, featuring martial arts, traditional dance, acrobatics and more.

ABOUT CHINESE LANTERNS

The ancient art of Chinese lantern making began in the Han Dynasty, a significant period for science and innovation. Every year since, during Chinese New Year, families view colorful lanterns to symbolize respect for Chinese culture. Most traditional Chinese lantern festivals are celebrated on the 15th day of the first money in the lunar calendar, marking the last day of the lunar New Year. This tradition dates back 2000 years. In ancient times, lanterns were fairly simple and only the emperor and noblemen had large, ornate ones. In modern times, lanterns have been embellished with complex designs such as the ones on view here in Cary. The prominence o red in the designs symbolizes good fortune.