Event Preview | On the Lantern Festival, the Celestial Official Descends; When the Seven-Nine Rivers Thaw, Love Finds Its Way

The Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival, Little New Year, Yuanxi, or the Lantern Fair, falls on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month each year. The first lunar month is called “Yuan Yue,” and since ancient times, the word “night” was referred to as “xiao.” As the fifteenth day of the first lunar month marks the first full-moon night of the year, it came to be known as the Lantern Festival. According to the traditional Taoist concept of the “Three Yuans,” the fifteenth day of the first lunar month is also called the Shangyuan Festival.

Coincidentally, the 2025 Lantern Festival falls right between the seventh and ninth lunar days—when the rivers begin to thaw—and Valentine’s Day, a Western holiday. With blessings of heavenly favor, abundant wealth, and enduring love all converging, this auspicious occasion symbolizes good fortune, thriving prosperity, and harmonious relationships. During these three days, our museum will host activities such as dumpling‑threading, pot‑throwing, and “You Move, I Guess,” with generous prizes on offer. We’ll also extend our warmest wishes to every visitor. You’re warmly invited to join us!

Tangyuan originated in the Song Dynasty, initially filled with black sesame paste. Over time, the variety of fillings expanded to include red bean paste, white sugar, and more. Eating tangyuan during the Lantern Festival symbolizes family reunion and good fortune, while “tangyuan‑picking” is a folk pastime that has evolved from this tradition: small, ball‑shaped treats are placed in a dish, and players use chopsticks to pick them up, adding an extra layer of fun.

On the day of the Lantern Festival, February 12, 2025 Visitors entering the museum may head to the Yumingtang Book Café on the first floor during the event hours to take part in this activity. By collecting a specified number of “tangyuan” within the allotted time, you’ll receive a complimentary small gift. Prizes are limited—first come, first served—while supplies last. Wishing all visitors blessings from the Celestial Official!

Touhu was a ceremonial game played at banquets in ancient times. During the game, a specially crafted pot was set up, and guests and hosts took turns shooting arrows into it; the side that scored the most points won, while the losing side had to drink. As such, touhu is short for “shooting arrows into the pot,” a recreational activity in which players, from a designated distance, alternately aim their arrows at the pot and determine the winner by counting tally sticks. This pastime shares numerous similarities with the ancient ritual of archery—whether in its form, spirit, methods, or rules. Accordingly, one may also regard touhu as a game that substitutes arrows for actual projectiles and the pot for the target, imbued with the ceremonial essence of archery.

On the seventh-nine day of the lunar calendar, February 13, 2025. Visitors entering the museum may head to the Yumingtang Book Bar on the first floor during the event hours to take part in this activity. By successfully hitting a specified number of “arrows” within the allotted time, you’ll receive a complimentary small gift. Prizes are limited—first come, first served—until supplies last. We wish all visitors abundant wealth and prosperity!

Western Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentin’s Day, falls on February 14th each year in the Gregorian calendar. It is one of the traditional holidays of Western countries and has now become a globally renowned celebration of romance. Valentine’s Day is a festival of love and romance, during which men and women exchange gifts to express affection or goodwill. With modern developments, the forms of gifts have diversified, and what couples increasingly seek is not just material presents but rather expressions of love and emotional connection.

On Western Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025 Visitors to the museum may head to the Yumingtang Book Café on the first floor during the event hours to take part. By correctly guessing a set number of gestures within the allotted time, you’ll receive a complimentary gift. Supplies are limited—first come, first served—so don’t miss out! Wishing all visiting couples everlasting love and happiness!

National Level-3 Museum

Chinese Qu Culture Education Base

Chinese Overseas International Culture Exchange Base

On-site Teaching Site of the Jinggangshan Cadre Academy of China

Jiangxi Province Patriotic Education Base

Jiangxi Provincial Base for Popularizing Social Sciences

Jiangxi Province Museum Demonstration Unit for Integrated Development

Jiangxi Province Primary and Secondary School Research-and-Practice Education Base

How can one know spring’s beauty is so exquisite without stepping into the garden?