From August 21-29, the main entrance to the old city of Chiangmai became an international lantern showcase. The area around Thapae Gate became the site of several large exhibitions, showcasing the variety of lanterns from cultures around Asia. This is not to be confused with the world-famous Yi Peng and Loi Krathong lantern festivals that occur later in the year.
It was interesting to walk around the area and check out the variety of styles that represented at least six different countries. Along with the displays, there were also several music and cultural shows on stage which added to the interest. But the lanterns were not only in the city’s most popular gathering place. Scattered throughout the rest of the city, and the moat, were at least thirty lantern models of the world’s most famous attractions. The selected models were symbols from all parts of the world including the Sydney Opera House, London’s Big Ben and Japan’s Torii gate.
So what did I learn? Here’s a brief summary of the lanterns that were on display!
Japanese Lanterns
Japanese people gave precedence to lanterns by using them for decorating during various occasions such as New Year’s Day or hanging in front of their restaurants. They also have many festivals that include a variety of styles of lanterns.
Tanabata Festival: a festival for seeking blessing from the stars.
Kanto Festival: a festival for thanks to God for giving an abundant harvest.
Sri Lanka Lanterns
In Sri Lanka, there is a Visakha Puja Day festival called Vesak. Sri Lankan people illuminate their houses, streets and public places with the colorful lanterns to symbolize the light of wisdom of the Buddha.
Indian Lanterns
In India, there is a light festival called “Diwaii”. It is the greatest and most important festival because it is held on the Hindu New Year. Also, it is a festival of family, joy, and the celebration of something new and better in their life. During this time, Indian people will clean their houses and open their windows to welcome “Phra Laksmi”, the goddess of wealth. Houses, shops and government buildings are adorned with dazzling lights from the different shapes of lanterns and oil baked clay lamps known as “Diya.”
Vietnam Lanterns
The Vietnamese lantern culture was influenced by China and is apparent in the many unique patterns. Kwang Nam Province in the ancient town of Hoi An is known as the “Street of Lanterns” because it is filled with many stores selling colorful lanterns in various shapes which creates a wonderful destination for tourists to browse.
Lanna Lanterns
Lanna people use lanterns for lighting and offering in traditional festival and rituals such as the Yi Peng festival and the worship of Phra Ked Keaw Chulamanee in heaven
Chinese Lanterns
Lanterns originated more than 2000 years ago in China and have changed from being a necessary, functional item to being a decorative sign of happiness.
Chinese people usually decorate their houses with red lanterns throughout the year. They believe that it gives gods the ability to see their houses. Lanterns also inspire happiness, prosperity and wealth to everyone in the houses. In addition, the traditional red color is the auspicious color of fortune.
Other lantern festivals
As stated above, the next major lantern festivals in Chiangmai will be the famous Loi Krathong and Yi Peng festivals. These are both based on lunar cycles, but they originally used different lunar calendars. Quite a while back the two lunar calendars were merged into one so that all Thai auspicious dates were on the same cycle. When the calendars were merged, both festivals ended up falling on the same full moon.
Loi Krathong is celebrated throughout Thailand, whereas Yi Ping is a purely northern holiday. But the launching of khom lois (which is the center piece of Yi Peng) has slowly been merged into many other festivals including some Loi Krathong celebrations. In these festivals, “lanterns” are floated on water or sent into the air in the form of small, hot-air balloons.
The tourist version of the Yi Peng Lanna will occur on November 23 at Thudongkhasathan Lanna – the site of the annual festival. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.yeepenglanna.com. A week earlier, the local version will occur! There will be many events happening throughout the week so anyone planning on visiting the area at that time should confirm the various event dates before they arrive.
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