The long awaited traditional Lantern Festival was celebrated with a lot of pomp and splendor last Monday, Feb. 6. It is the 15th and final day of the Spring Festival celebrations, end of the Chinese New Year festivities.

It is said that the holiday evolved from an ancient Chinese belief that celestial spirits could be seen flying about in the light of the first full moon of the lunar calendar. To help them see the spirits that maybe floating around on the night of the festival they used torches. These torches gave way to lanterns of every shape, size and color.

Once again there are differing theories as to why the festival was started. Some quarters say that the lanterns served as a mark of respect to Buddha, and still others say that Buddhists carried lanterns to help them see the deities that floated around on the night of the festival.

The Ancient Chinese belief says that celestial spirits can be flying in the light of the first full moon of the lunar calendar. To help them to see the spirit they used torches. It is because of these torches that the lanterns of various shape, size and color were born.

Beautiful lanterns are created for the Lantern Festival. Some lanterns are in the shape of animals, flowers, and famous people. Some creative people even make lanterns that looks like a machine of building. The zodiac animal of the year is most favorite subject for the lantern festival. This year it is the dragon.

On of the tradition of the Lantern Festival is the Lantern riddle or cai deng mi.Cai deng mi is a riddle attached to the lantern for the people to solve. Prizes are given to those clever folks who can solve the riddle.

The Lantern Festival is also considered the Chinese Valentine's Day .Nowadays, Lantern Festivals are held annually in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. One of the most exciting part of the Lantern Festival is the selection of the best lanterns.

Look at the pictures and see how festive this celebration is.

China