Will you be going to see the most creative way to show culture in a single day? The Chinese Lantern Festival is one of the best ways to get to know a culture and still have fun doing it.

Chinese lantern festivals have originated as far back as the Han Dynasty, which was from 206 BC to 220 BC. It is celebrated on 15th day of the lunar year to honor Buddha and the fallen ancestors of the people in China. The festival originated for the purpose of the Munks to honor Buddha but has since become spread throughout China. The festival is also known as the Yuan Xiao Festival and is shown through beautiful lights and performances that are native to China.

Going through and learning the history of the festival is important. They perform traditional Chinese dances and activities that not many individuals get to see every day. The lights are beautiful. Everywhere you turn there are more lights with a caption underneath that describes the origin of each unit and what they mean.

When walking through, people get to enjoy the rich culture it brings them and can also get traditional Chinese toys, umbrellas and other fun things. Once done walking through the lantern tunnel, you are immersed in lights. There is no other way to describe it other than magnificent.

When talking to people throughout the festival some may start to realize that this amazing festival that was made for celebrating one origin can bring forth so many different individuals who can appreciate the magnificence of the occasion. While walking through and talking to a few different people, I realized that no matter what someone may be going through in life, something as small as a festival can bring all people together and bring their happiness levels up tremendously.

Folks interested in attending the festival should note that it’s on display until January 13 at Koka Booth Amphitheater in Cary. I would highly suggest you go and learn more about Chinese culture.