元宵节

元宵节, falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month is a very celebrated event in China. In history, men and ladies would prong the streets or 庙会 to 猜灯谜 or admire the lanterns. In modern Shanghai, there aren't many 庙会 to roam about. The only one I knew is Cheng Huang Miao (城隍庙）or 豫园。

Last night after dinner, T and I strolled to the nearby Zhongshan Park to watch the little celebrations. There were crowds gathering around to sing on mobile karaoke. There were at least 3 mobile karaoke stations I counted. But the one that caught my attention, and also many others nearby was the letting go of Kong Ming Lantern (孔明灯）.

The 孔明灯, made of paper and bamboo were in a heart shape form. This attracted alot of couples who bought the lanterns to let it float. The lanterns to my surprise could really fly to a height of at least 80m. While watching the lanterns float, the watchers (including myself) were held in suspense every time the lanterns float near an obstacle, such as tall trees and buildings, afraid that it will collide onto it.

But in the end, it never did, which I wonder why? We stare off into the sky until the lantern disappeared out of our sight. (Off to scare the pilots, haha)

Back to our neighbourhood 小区，our neighbours were busy letting of fireworks and fire crackers. T and I stood near our block to admire the fireworks. We could see our neighbours carrying down boxes and crates of fireworks and crackers to let go! And it was one after another. The entire night, the sky was decorated with red, green and yellow sparks and the air was thick with the smell of gun powder. Everywhere you go, you could hear the sounds of celebration.

It was a memorable night indeed! Even T and me were in the festive mood after watching all the fireworks and stuff. Next year, I am definitely going to buy some to let off!!

We ended the night by eating the traditional Tang Yuan before we went to bed.