Did You Know? Chinese Lantern Festival : An Illustration of Intercultural Exchange

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Have you ever heard of China’s Lantern Festival?

The annual event occurs fifteen days following the Chinese Lunar New Year.  It is not just a celebration of good fortune, but also offers a broader perspective of the unique intercultural exchange between Iranian and Chinese worlds.

This lively celebration is deeply rooted in tradition, presumably dating back to the ancient Eastern Han Dynasty (250-220), nearly 2,000 years ago.  The festival’s origins can be traced to the historical cultural exchanges between ancient Iranian religions and China. More specifically, it reflects the influence of Zoroastrianism, an Iranian religion that was spread throughout China. The Chinese culture received considerable elements from Zoroastrianism through the religion’s followers, known as Sodigans, who had constant exchanges with China along the Silk Roads.

Over time, this festival has been influenced by other customs and practices such as Buddhism and Daoism. It has since become a unique celebration for all Chinese people worldwide. 

The festival is peppered with colorful red lanterns meant to bring good fortune.  Various Chinese customs, such as lantern riddles from the Song Dynasty, add to the festival’s charm.  Attendees continue their celebrations by eating sticky rice and performing Lion and Dragon dances.  These dances are believed to deter evil spirits and harness good luck.

Ultimately, this festival reflects the complex cultural elements indicative of the exchanges between different cultures along the Silk Roads. The festival continues to be celebrated in China every year.