Thousands of paper lanterns float into the night sky. No, it’s not a fairytale movie. It’s the Lantern Festival in northern Taiwan. This year, it took place on February 12. 

The Lantern Festival marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations. Asian countries such as China and Taiwan celebrate Lunar New Year. It signals the coming of spring. The timing of the holiday is based on the cycles of the Moon. So the dates of the Lunar New Year change from year to year. 

People celebrate the new year for 15 days. They decorate their homes with pictures cut from red paper. They feast, watch fireworks, and spend time with family. Adults give children hong bao. Those are red envelopes filled with money. The Lantern Festival is the grand finale of the holiday. 

At the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan, some visitors came from as far away as Europe and Latin America. They wanted to watch the paper lanterns float into the darkness. 

Paper lanterns have a historical meaning in Taiwan. More than a century ago, villagers released them as a signal. The lights told others it was safe to return after bandits raided their towns. Today, the lanterns represent hope for peace and prosperity. 

People released lanterns nine times throughout the night. The stars of the show were a pair of 12-foot pink and gold snake-shaped lanterns. In the Chinese calendar, this is the Year of the Snake. 

Miles away, China also celebrated the Lantern Festival. Beijing residents munched on traditional rice dumplings. Instead of releasing lanterns, most people watched light shows. The Beijing Garden Expo Park hosted 10,000 different displays. Many were sculptures of animals such as dragons, pandas, and phoenixes. (A phoenix is a mythical bird that dies but rises alive again out of its own ashes. It is a symbol in many cultures of rebirth.)

Many other Lunar New Year traditions are based on ancient myths and superstitions. For example, red symbolizes “good fortune” or “luck.” That’s why people wear the color throughout the holiday. 

Christians know that superstitions and luck have no power over people who trust in God. He is the one who is in control over our lives. He is also the one who gives us real reason to hope. Our hope is in His goodness and the rebirth we have in Christ. 

Some Lunar New Year traditions don’t honor God. But the ability to celebrate is a gift from Him. It’s easy to forget to delight in God’s goodness. That’s why the Lord gave His people times of feasting and thanksgiving. 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. — 2 Corinthians 5:17