Our Very Own Chinese Lattern Festival

 Wednesday 16 February

Lattern Festivals began around 2000 years ago, during the Han Dynasty. It is still celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese calendar. 

There are several stories re its origin, one of which is that it was created during the time of Emperor Ming of Han. [58 -75 CE] As a supporter of Buddist monks, who lit latterns on the 15th day of the first lunar month, he decreed that all imperial palaces and individual households should do the same, and so it continued.

Both Jocelyn and Leanne , of our Hungry Hiker group, taught English for many years in schools in Hong Kong before their retirement. How lucky were we that they decided to organise our very own Lattern event?

After an hour's drive, we met at the designated parking spot - '4 Kennedy Esplanade, Scarborough'. It was just a long street paralleling the waterfront, with lots of parking spaces. We wondered why Leanne had been so specific. The reason was quickly revealed on our return from our foreshore walk.

After a warm day, the cool breeze across the water was very welcome and it was a delight to walk, chatter and laugh with these wonderful friends. On reaching Redcliffe pier, we realised that unusually, noone had taken any photos, so a few posing sessions ensued.

Back at 4 Kennedy, Esplanade, the sky was readying for sunset.

It was at this point that Leanne announced that she had done a reconnaissance and chosen this table, [LHS of photo below] under this tree, as the branches were low for hanging the lanterns, and a Chinese Takeaway was just around the corner. 

But, there was someone sitting at our table!

The hikers were standing in a row beside the tree. I was too slow to capture the image as they looked across the bay, nonchalantly. Margot moved over to chat with the couple.

Laurel joined in. 

Such a lovely couple, who had no plans for staying long. Both teachers from where I live.

Preparations began.

We had great difficulty attaching the lantern sticks to the trees. They weren't as low as Leanne had assessed. We found a fairly solid stick to help us pull the branches down. 

Just when all was complete, a couple from house No 4 came across to admire and congratulate us, making the comment that it was such a pity that the tree had been trimmed by council only that morning !

Leanne and Joc certainly know how do things in style.

Time to relax and enjoy.

Sitting and enjoying the view across the bay, it suddenly dawned on me, that this night might be the night of the full moon. We had had a week of cloud and rain, so I hadn't observed its progress. A quick google had us watching the horizon constantly for the moon's appearance. There was cloud on the horizon, but thankfully, half an hour late, its golden glow appeared filling us with delight!

 

Chinese New Year is a time of giving; whether in the form of the traditional red packet filled with money, or in the form of other, material goods. Jocelyn presented us with a red packet containing a small note book.

Leanne had brought her Chinese Fortune sticks. Much laughter ensued as each fortune was read.

Mine

At 7pm, Laurel and Leanne walked around the corner to collect our take away. Laurel glanced back and snapped this lovely image.

Some snaps while we waited for the food to return.

Dumplings, followed by Beef with Black Bean Sauce and Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry were very much enjoyed before Leanne presented us with her Mango Pudding, a Hong Kong favourite.

Laurel and Jayne gave it the thumbs up!

Totally replete, and filled with the joy of this magical, moonlit, lattern festival evening, we made our way home about 9 pm. We were very reluctant to leave the serene beauty of the moon, now high in the sky.

I would love to read your comment.