Lantern festival leaves New Zealanders dazzled

In some parts of the world the Lantern festival is seen as the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day.

The Lantern festival is held to celebrate the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar. It marks the final day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations and usually falls in February or March in the Gregorian calendar.

The Chinese Lantern festival has now become popular across the globe and is being seen as the Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day in some nations.

Lets take a look at this colourful festival celebrated in Auckland, New Zealand, from February 9 to 12.

Hundreds turn up in Auckland domain

Hundreds of people turned up to celebrate the annual Chinese Lantern festival in the Auckland Domain. According to Taoist tradition, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendarcorresponds to the 'Official of light'.

Over 800 lanterns leaves visitors dazzled

Over 800 lanterns lit up the evening to leave the visitors dazzled. The lanterns almost always symbolize good fortune.

Lanterns of diverse forms

Lanterns in the form of camels, polar bears and dinosaurs were lit up as well as traditional Chinese symbols, flowers and people.

Chinese festival of lights celebrated across globe

In ancient times, the lanterns were fairly simple, and only the emperor and noblemen had large ornate ones. In modern times, lanterns have been embellished with many complex designs.

Glimpse of Chinese culture

The celebrations included stunning performances of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture including martial arts, dance and live music from international performers.

All photos: aucklandnz.com

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