Ming-Ai (London) Institute © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

By Kelvin Ma © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

What is the Lantern Festival? TTTThe Lantern festival (元宵節) is an age-old Chinese traditional festival, celebrated across the world. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the first Lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Spectacular performances and colourful lanterns are only part of the festival.Families make and eat yuanxiao(元宵) also called tāngyuán (湯圓 ) which is similar to a word in Chinese meaning ‘together’ or family reunion. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

Lantern Festival: China In China, most notably Chengdu and Shanghai, it is a major event, with massive lanterns lighting up the sky. Due to the festival originating from China, it is celebrated by almost everyone in the country.In China, most notably Chengdu and Shanghai, it is a major event, with massive lanterns lighting up the sky. Due to the festival originating from China, it is celebrated by almost everyone in the country. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

 Lantern festival celebrations in Taiwan are even more spectacular and eye- catching than their counterparts in China. Enormous lanterns cover up the skies during the festival. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

Lantern festival in the UK TThe Lantern Festival is also celebrated in the UK within Chinese communities, most notably the celebrations in London Chinatown. It is held annually together with the more well known Chinese New Year.

Lantern festival in North America TThe Rogers Chinese Lantern festival was held in 2008, Toronto, Canada. This Chinese Lantern Festival is the largest lantern festival to take place outside Asia and one of the most impressive presentations of its kind in North America. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

St Valentine’s Day: an Introduction St Valentine’s Day originated from the time of the Roman Empire, when Emperor Claudius II cancelled all marriages. A priest, St Valentine, sacrificed his life to fulfil the wishes of many lovers and married them. He was later executed for this act against the imperial government. Today it is a day of romantic celebration, where lovers express their love or enjoy each other’s company. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

Ancient and modern celebrations IIn ancient times it used to be a pagan festival (Lupercalia) for the God of Fertility. It was only changed to Valentine’s Day as the Church did not want a pagan festival on a Christian martyr’s feast day. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

Celebrations in Europe  In Europe, it is celebrated very differently between countries. Here we look at how some countries celebrate it in their own unique way. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

Celebrations  In the UK, it is a holiday which is celebrated by many lovers, though not in such a high-profile style as in the States. In much of Europe it is the same, though in Finland it is called Ystävänpäivä ( Friends Day) instead of the traditional love festival. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

Celebrations in the States  In the States it is celebrated by both adults and children. Many schools organize programmes and performances for children to perform, in addition to the traditional celebrations © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

Celebrations in Asia  In Asian countries, most notably Japan, Korea, and China ( 情人節 ), it is common for people to give chocolates to their loved ones and in Japan it is rare for a person to celebrate it the western way of romantic dinners. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

Similarities and differences  Although the two festivals are very different, both of its themes involves Love.  The lantern festival is celebrated with magnificent displays; St. Valentines Day is celebrated with romantic dinners and gifts  Both are affected by its country’s culture  Both have food involved in its celebrations © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

Comment  As we can see, both the Lantern Festival and St. Valentine’s Day have unique celebrations and cultural backgrounds. We should preserve these wonderfully celebrated festivals so that we can truly admire their vibrancy and beauty. © 2010 Ming-Ai (London) Institute

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