Contributing Author: Hae Chen, mom of a 4-year-old girl and a full-time oncologist
They say losing a parent is one of hardest things you face in life. I never thought I would ever experience the pain and grief of losing my best friend. Two years ago, my mother passed away from cancer.
Ironically, as a full-time oncologist, I have had a close encounter with cancer and the toll it brings onto families. My mother was my close confidant. She was my go-to person for advice and support, especially when it came to parenting.
One of the most valuable advices that my mother gave me was to explore my culture and history. Ever since I was six, my mom used to take me and my siblings to attend the Chinese Lantern Festival.
The Lantern Festival is a big celebration in China. But, it holds a deeper meaning for me and has a special place in my heart.
With a history of more than 2,000 years, the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao jie or Shang Yuan Festival) was held on March 2, 2018. The festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Spring Festival celebration. Its origins go back to the Han Dynasty when Buddhist monks would light up lanterns to worship Buddha.
Every year, the festival is characterized by colorful lanterns in the streets. Over the years, lanterns changed colors, shape and sizes.
From floating to hanging lanterns, all sorts of beautiful lanterns are scattered across the city. These lanterns symbolize hope and good luck for the New Year.
My daughter and I released red lanterns together, hoping to embrace and accept everything that will come our way next year.
By the time we reached the event, the party had already started. From young adults to the elderly, people were seen devouring scrumptious meals and having a good time together. The most popular food for this festival is yuanxiao. They sweet treats are stuffed dumpling made of glutinous rice flour served in soup. Sugar, sesame seeds, bean paste, walnut kernels and jujube powder might be used as yuanxiao fillings. My little one thoroughly enjoyed watching the lion dances and firework displays. There was dancing, great music and food, and everyone was celebrating the beauty of life.
In retrospect, the event reminded me of my mother and my family and how much fun we used to have when we would attend the Lantern Festival together. It made me realize of the love my mom and I shared for our country and culture. Going forward, I hope my daughter has the same love and respect for our beautiful nation.
If you’re planning a trip to Beijing or China next year, check out the Lantern Festival!
