臺北市新住民專區網站英文版

The Lantern Festival, also referred to as the Shangyuan Festival, the Festival of

Lights, or “Little New Year,” is rooted in a well-known Chinese legend. The story

tells of a hunter who accidentally killed a sacred bird that had descended into the

human realm. Enraged by this act, the Jade Emperor planned to punish humanity by

unleashing a devastating fire upon the mortal world. He ordered his celestial army to

descend on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month to carry out the punishment.

Foreseeing the impending disaster, the Jade Emperor’s daughter secretly descended to

the human world. Moved by compassion for the innocent people who would be affected,

she warned them to decorate their homes with lanterns and set off firecrackers on the

fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth days of the lunar month. From the heavens, these

lights and sounds would give the illusion that the world below was already ablaze. On

the fifteenth day, seeing the glowing red lights and hearing the sound of firecrackers,

the Jade Emperor believed that the humans had already been punished and withdrew

his command. From that day on, people have continued the tradition of hanging lanterns

and setting off firecrackers every year on the fifteenth day of the lunar month to

commemorate the day they narrowly escaped disaster.

The Lantern Festival, held on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, is marked by

the lighting of lanterns, the setting from firecrackers and fireworks, and other

celebratory activities, through which people express prayers for national peace and

family well-being. Across Taiwan, various regions host themed lantern exhibitions,

offering opportunities for families to participate together in the celebrations.

During the festival, people also eat tangyuan—glutinous rice balls symbolizing reunion

and good fortune—adding to the cheerful and festive atmosphere as everyone welcomes

the new year.