What is lantern festival in china ? why they celebrate ?

The Lantern Festival, called 鍏冨浣崇瘈(Mandarin = Yuan Xiao Jia Jieh; Cantonese = Yuen Siu Gai Jeet), that falls on the very last day (Jan. 15th) of Chinese New Year celebration was traditionally a Valentine-type of day in ancient times. Back in those days, it was the one day of the year when a woman could come out---chaperoned, but at least away from parents---and be seen by eligible single men. With sooo many brightly colored festive lanterns hung up on every street, people would play "Lantern Riddle" games, which each side-stand would have riddles written up on each lantern (in calligraphy back in ancient days). Whoever solves the riddle puzzle would get to take home that lantern. People would even purposely try to allure the opposite sex with fun romantic riddles to express their interest in each other.

There was a story my grandma told me when I was a kid:

There was a homesick palace maid named Yuan Xiao. This maid told the Emperor that the God of Fire would set fire to the city unless he was appeased with a scene of burning. Accordingly, the Emperor ordered that firecrackers be set off and bright red lanterns hung throughout the streets. All that noise and confusion allowed Yuan Xiao to slip home unnoticed for a brief family reunion.

The first way of celebration was historically true. I just don't know about the 2nd one, with the Yuan Xiao maid.

A lantern festival is held on the last day of the Chinese New Year.

this is just end of long new year ( spring festival ) celebrations. they have 7 days or more than this new year celebrations and this new year is based on lonar calendar. today is lantern festival so just enjoy. and eat special chinese traditional food and also play cracks.

There are so many similarities between a popular festival in India, Diwali, and the Lantern Festival in China, which is being celebrated today.

The spirit of any festival is all about reaching out, bonding and spreading the light of goodwill, cheer and happiness, breaking all community barriers.

People invariably give lovely gifts to each other to celebrate the spirit of the festive occasion.

http://blog.giftex.in wishes everyone Happy Lantern Festival!!!

PS: not only in China but also in Taiwan, and other Chinese countries.

End of the new year.