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The Lantern Festival (元宵节, Yuánxiāo Jié) is one of China’s most celebrated traditional festivals, marking the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations on the 15th day of the first lunar month. This vibrant festival is known for its spectacular lantern displays, riddle games, dragon dances, and the eating of tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), symbolizing family unity and happiness. 元宵节是中国最重要的传统节日之一，标志着农历正月十五春节庆祝活动的结束。这一天，人们会赏花灯、猜灯谜、舞龙舞狮、燃放烟花爆竹，还会吃象征团圆的汤圆。

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Over the centuries, the Lantern Festival has grown into a joyous celebration filled with colorful traditions. Here are some of the traditional customs. 数个世纪以来，元宵节已然发展成为蕴含着缤纷多彩传统的欢乐庆典活动。以下便是其中的部分传统习俗。

Lighting Lanterns ：The most iconic tradition is lighting and appreciating lanterns. These lanterns, often decorated with intricate patterns, calligraphy, and mythical figures, symbolize hope, good fortune, and the drive to chase away darkness and bring in brightness for the new year. 元宵节最具标志性的活动便是赏灯。五彩斑斓的灯笼上绘有精美的图案、书法和神话人物，象征着希望、好运和驱散黑暗。

Guessing Lantern Riddles: Lantern owners write clever riddles on slips of paper and attach them to their lanterns. Festival-goers try to solve the riddles, and those who guess correctly receive small prizes. This activity, known as “cai deng mi” , is both fun and intellectually stimulating. 猜灯谜: 在灯笼上贴上谜语，让人们猜测答案，这种活动称为“猜灯谜”。如果能答对，就可以获得小礼品。这种习俗既娱乐大众，又富有文化气息。

Eating Tangyuan：Families gather to eat tangyuan , sweet glutinous rice balls filled with sesame, red bean paste, or peanuts. Their round shape symbolizes family unity and completeness, making them an essential part of the festival. 吃汤圆：在元宵节，家人团聚在一起吃汤圆（用糯米粉制成的甜糯米球，内有芝麻、红豆沙或花生馅）。汤圆的圆形象征着家庭团圆、幸福美满，因此成为元宵节的必吃美食。

Dragon and Lion Dances:The dragon and lion dances, performed in many Chinese communities, add excitement to the festivities. These performances are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. 舞龙和舞狮是元宵节期间最热闹的表演，人们认为这些表演可以带来好运、驱邪避灾。

Fireworks and Firecrackers： Just like in the legend of the Jade Emperor, lighting fireworks and firecrackers is an important tradition, believed to drive away bad luck and bring prosperity and joy. 燃放烟花爆竹：和春节一样，元宵节也有燃放烟花爆竹的习俗，寓意驱赶邪恶、迎接新年的好运。

Although it originated in China, the Lantern Festival is celebrated in many other East Asian regions and countries, each adding its unique local flavor.South Korea celebrates Jeongwol Daeboreum, a similar lunar festival with bonfires and full moon rituals. In Malaysia and Singapore, the festival is sometimes called “Chinese Valentine’s Day”, where young people participate in matchmaking games. 虽然元宵节起源于中国，但它也在许多东亚国家得到广泛庆祝，每个地方都赋予其不同的特色。 在韩国，庆祝类似的《正月大报仇节》（Jeongwol Daeboreum），举行篝火仪式。 在马来西亚和新加坡，元宵节也被称为《东方情人节》，年轻人通过社交游戏来寻找伴侣。

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The Lantern Festival is a beautiful blend of mythology, history, and culture, bringing families and communities together in a joyful celebration of light, unity, and renewal. Whether through lantern displays, riddle games, traditional foods, or lively performances, the festival continues to illuminate hearts across generations. Even today, as cities glow with thousands of twinkling lanterns, the festival serves as a reminder of hope, reunion, and the power of light in the darkness. 元宵节融合了神话、历史和文化，象征着家庭团圆、希望和光明。无论是赏灯、猜灯谜、吃汤圆，还是舞龙舞狮、燃放烟花，这一节日都让人们在欢乐和团聚中感受传统文化的魅力。 如今，每年正月十五，万家灯火齐放，整个夜晚都被灯光点亮，这不仅是对传统的延续，更是对美好生活的祝愿！

The Lantern Festival, on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, is an important part of the Spring Festival celebrations. People celebrate with lantern displays, eating Tangyuan, guessing latern riddles, and dragon and lion dances. Many auspicious idioms, such as “perfect happiness" and "brilliant lights", reflect the joyful spirit of this traditional festival. 农历正月十五的元宵节是春节的重要组成部分。人们通过赏灯、吃元宵、猜灯谜、舞龙舞狮等活动庆祝团圆和美满。这一天也充满了吉祥的成语，如 “花好月圆”、“张灯结彩/火树银花” 等，充分体现了中国传统文化的喜庆氛围。

文章修改于2025-02-12 元宵节，图片来自网络。（音频在公众号）