The colourful Lantern Festival has been a part of Chinese tradition for more than 2,000 years. There are many different tales of how this festival began. One tells of worship to Taiyi, the ancient God of Heaven. Another is associated with the Taoist god Tianguan and the celebration of his birthday on the 15th day of the first Lunar month. As well as a few others, there's the legend describes the significance of lanterns dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty; a time when Buddhism thrived in ancient China. It's said that on the 15th day of the first month of the year, Buddhist monks lit lanterns to pay homage to the cremated remains of Buddha's body called the sarira.

To show his respects to Buddha, the emperor ordered his imperial palace to be decorated with glowing lanterns. His decree included the lighting of lanterns in all palaces and temples. The custom of lighting lanterns eventually spread to the common people and became an annual celebration. This ritual evolved into a colourful festivity known as the Lantern Festival.

It was during the Qing Dynasty when the lighting of fireworks became popular. They were introduced into this occasion as way to chase away evil spirits and add more celebration to the festival.

With each passing year the lanterns have became grander and more unique. Lanterns made from different materials, different colours, sizes and shapes are hung not only in homes, but decorate the streets for everyone to enjoy and behold. The shining lanterns symbolize the light and hope for a prosperous new year.

Traditionally, families eat a dessert called Tangyuan,(known as Yuanxiao during the Ming Dynasty). These are coloured glutinous rice dumpling balls traditionally served with syrup. Now days these delicacies are stuffed with different fillings like red bean paste, black sesame and peanuts. Tangyuan can also be eaten as a main course in soups.

The rice dumplings are prepared by boiling, steaming or deep frying. Since Tangyuan sounds like the word "tuanyuan", meaning "reunion", people eat Yuanxiao to symbolize peace, union, happiness and harmony in the family.

Aside from feasting on savoury delicacies, there are also performances of lion dancing, doing the Yangko dance - a dance of quick, vigorous movements by dancers wearing bright and colourful costumes - playing the dragon lantern, stilting, and striking the Peace Drum.

Another popular activity during the Lantern Festival is guessing lantern riddles. This started during the Song Dynasty when people pasted strips of paper with riddles to their lanterns. The person who correctly solved the riddle was given a small token as a reward.

The first full moon of the New Year and the amazing fireworks make this the Lantern Festival a grand and magnificent spectacle.