Tomorrow comes Chinese traditional holiday, Lantern Festival. The 15th day of the 1st lunar month is the Chinese Lantern Festival because the first lunar month is called yuan-month and in the ancient times people called night Xiao. The 15th day is the first night to see a full moon. So the day is also called Yuan Xiao Festival in China. People eat Tang Yuan (stuffed rice balls) and hang out thousands of colorful lanterns on this day. Also, Lantern Festival is the last day of Chinese Spring Festival.

   The chinese spring festival has more than 4000 years history. The eariest as we know was started from ancient king Yu and Shun dynasty. The term "guo nian" is used for the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). The word "Year" in Chinese characters used to mean a horrible beast. To combat the beast, the Chinese hang "good luck" wishes on red paper on the door and use fireworks in the belief that the beast fears red and fire. And to remember the day people comba the beast, Chinese people celebrate in many ways from the first day to the fifteenth of January in the lunar calendar. People eat Jiao Zi (dumplings), noodles, spring rolls, sticky rice cakes, and Tang Yuan (stuffed rice balls) during the holiday. And each food has a meaning: for instance, Jiao Zi looks like gold, implying a wealthy year ahead. Also, during the holidays, people meet the relatives, friends, collegues, giving greetings and wishes, talking about the past year, and expecting a better year. 

   All Transcon Staff wish our customers and partners a better year!