As lanterns lit up cities across the Chinese mainland, American vlogger Marissa embraced the warmth of the Lantern Festival in Wuhan, Hubei Province, offering her 1.2 million followers a vibrant glimpse into the 2,000-year-old tradition. Her day included hands-on adventures: marveling at acrobatic lion dances, savoring sweet glutinous rice dumplings (yuanxiao), and deciphering riddles hung from shimmering lanterns.
\"The energy was electric—families laughing, performers in colorful costumes,\" Marissa shared in her vlog, smartphone footage capturing the aroma of street food and children waving rabbit-shaped lanterns. She noted how the festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar month, blends ancient symbolism with modern festivities, from LED-lit installations to TikTok dance challenges themed around reunion.
Cultural experts highlight that the Lantern Festival’s global visibility, amplified by creators like Marissa, reflects China’s rising ‘soft power’ through grassroots storytelling. As cross-cultural exchanges rebound post-pandemic, such traditions are becoming bridges for tech-savvy audiences to explore shared values of family and renewal.
Reference(s):
'We Talk': American vlogger experiences Lantern Festival in China
cgtn.com
