Playing with Lanterns 《打灯笼》

Zhao Di and her friends are excited to go out at night with their paper lanterns and celebrate Chinese New Year. Each holding a unique colorful lantern with a lit candle inside, they admire the breathtaking colors while doing their best to avoid the wind and the sneaky boys in the village. Every night, until the fifteenth day of New Year, Zhao Di and her friends take part in this fun tradition, experiencing the thrill of nighttime in their village. And then―it’s time to smash the lanterns!

The first month (正月) is here and everyone is still celebrating the Lunar New Year! After the first day, all the villagers start making and giving out lanterns for people to light. It’s time to count down the days and celebrate the Lantern Festival with everyone! It’s a wonderful time full of light and festivity. The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 15th day after Lunar New Year. It’s a time of hope, peace and reconciliation.

Readers are invited to share the joy and excitement of this folk Chinese custom in Shaanxi. Details about the paper lantern tradition are also included in an author’s note at the end of the book.