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The Lantern Festival Trivia Quiz

This ancient Chinese tradition is one of the most colourful spectacles of the Chinese calendar. Ten questions on the Lantern Festival. Good luck.

A multiple-choice quiz by Ikabud. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
Ikabud

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
68,541

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Difficult

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
543

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. According to tradition, when did the Lantern Festival originate? Hint

During the 'Great Blackout' of 1923

During the 13th century

During the 1st century

During the 15th century

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Question 2 of 10

2. Again according to tradition, whom did the festival honor? Hint

Buddha

The birth of a new emperor

The reigning monarch

Confucius

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Question 3 of 10

3. What is the Lantern Festival also known as? Hint

The Shang Yuan Festival

The Chiang Kai-shek Festival

Light Night

Green Lantern

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Question 4 of 10

4. When is the Lantern Festival celebrated? Hint

The first day of the third month of the Chinese New Year

The last day of winter

The first day of spring

The 15th day of the first month of the Chinese New Year

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Question 5 of 10

5. Why has the Lantern Festival sometimes been called the Chinese Lovers Festival? Hint

Because it was linked to ancient fertility rituals

Because it provided a rare occasion for young men and women to meet

Because it was a time when most weddings took place

Because young couples were encouraged to conceive on the night of the festival for luck

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Question 6 of 10

6. The Lantern Festival has had various lengths in duration, at times in its long history, lasting five days, other times three. What was the longest duration of the festival? Hint

45 days

One week

One month

Two weeks

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Question 7 of 10

7. Where is the largest of the Chinese Lantern Festivals held? Hint

Beijing

Shanghai

Taipei

San Francisco

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Question 8 of 10

8. During the middle part of the twentieth century, the festival was ignored and the tradition almost died out. How was it kept alive? Hint

By children carrying lanterns through the streets

By Chinese people in other parts of the world

By direct order from Chairman Mao

By a revival during the Cultural Revolution

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Question 9 of 10

9. Where is the Taipei Lantern Festival held each year? Hint

Tianamen Square

Sports stadium

Mao Central Plaza

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Plaza

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is one of the oldest customs of the Lantern Festival? Hint

Lantern kissing

Lantern riddles

Lantern procession

Lantern dance

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. According to tradition, when did the Lantern Festival originate?

Answer: During the 1st century

It originated sometime during the Han Dynasty which lasted from 206BC to 221AD. There is another school of thought that says the festival started around the time of Emperor Jui Tsung of the Tang Dynasty, in 710AD.

2. Again according to tradition, whom did the festival honor?

Answer: Buddha

Once again there are differing theories as to why the festival was started. Some quarters say that the lanterns served as a mark of respect to Buddha, and still others say that Buddhists carried lanterns to help them see the deities that floated around on the night of the festival.

3. What is the Lantern Festival also known as?

Answer: The Shang Yuan Festival

Another name associated with it is Hsiao Kuo Nien or 'Minor New Year'.

4. When is the Lantern Festival celebrated?

Answer: The 15th day of the first month of the Chinese New Year

The festivities have, since their ancient origins, consisted of activities centered around the night of the first full moon of the year.

5. Why has the Lantern Festival sometimes been called the Chinese Lovers Festival?

Answer: Because it provided a rare occasion for young men and women to meet

Young men and women would meet in a social setting for the first time during the 'New Year' season culminating with the festival.

6. The Lantern Festival has had various lengths in duration, at times in its long history, lasting five days, other times three. What was the longest duration of the festival?

Answer: 45 days

When the Chinese Republic was formed in 1912 the length of the festival was shortened to five days and subsequently shortened even further to three days.

7. Where is the largest of the Chinese Lantern Festivals held?

Answer: Taipei

It is centered around a whole week of festivities called 'Tourism Week'.

8. During the middle part of the twentieth century, the festival was ignored and the tradition almost died out. How was it kept alive?

Answer: By children carrying lanterns through the streets

Kids also took lanterns into temples, which in turn showed them off in large displays.

9. Where is the Taipei Lantern Festival held each year?

Answer: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Plaza

It is attended by thousands of people each year, taking part or just watching the festivities.

10. What is one of the oldest customs of the Lantern Festival?

Answer: Lantern riddles

Riddles are traditionally posted on the surface of the lanterns for people to solve. Gifts, prizes and even money are given to the clever folks who solve them. This quiz was compiled in part with information from the 'Tourism In Taiwan' website.

Source: Author Ikabud

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor minch before going online.
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