CNN
Date: 15th August 2018
By: Marian Liu, CNN
Pingxi Lantern Festival: Every year, thousands flock to the Taiwan village of Pingxi for the Lantern Festival. Visitors write their wishes on paper lanterns and release them into the sky in the hopes that their ancestors will answer their prayers.
Tourism and Travel Department, New Taipei City Government
Pingxi, Taiwan (CNN) — It’s one of Taiwan’s most breathtaking spectacles.
Every year, thousands travel to the village of Pingxi for its annual Lantern Festival, where they write their wishes on paper lanterns and release them into the sky in the hopes that their ancestors will answer their prayers.
“It’s a tradition you have to do it once in your life,” says local guide Wang Chaw-Jing.
According to legend, during the Three Kingdoms period, Chinese statesman Zhuge Liang, also known as Kongming, created lanterns to send military signals. Because their shape resembled his hat they were called “Kongming lanterns.”
The practice of lighting sky lanterns grew more widespread in the mid-19th century, when bandits often ravaged towns.
“These were once used as signals for villagers to let their families know they were safe and sound but now they carry people’s wishes and hopes for the new year into the night sky,” says Ally Su of the New Taipei City Government Tourism Planning Division.
“Over time, the Pingxi Lantern Festival has gained a reputation for being the brightest, happiest and most heartwarming event in Taiwan.”
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