02/15/2025

Xiang Yun Temple Lantern Festival Banquet: Celebrating with Lantern Riddles

The Life News Agency: Pu Hui | Austin

On February 15, Xiang Yun Temple hosted a Lantern Festival celebration, attracting over a hundred attendees from diverse backgrounds.

The festivities began in the evening as guests lined up at the dining hall, selecting their favorite dishes from an array of delicacies. They then made their way to the beautifully arranged outdoor dining area along the Path to Buddhahood, where they enjoyed a delightful open-air feast under the gentle evening breeze. At 6:30 PM, the host invited everyone to move to the Main Shrine for performances and a lantern riddle contest.

The event opened with a Broadway-style dance performance, "Sister," by local children Aria and Alexa. Their humorous and engaging performance received an enthusiastic response from the audience. Following this, 10-year-old Ethan and Charlotte led the lantern riddle contest, charming the crowd as they hosted in English while incorporating their newly learned Chinese, adding a playful and heartwarming touch to the evening.

After a musical performance of "What the World Needs" by the Xiang Yun Temple band, Ethan, Charlotte, and Evelyn took the stage for a tap dance routine to "Chattanooga Choo Choo." Their lively footwork captivated the children in attendance, bringing joy and excitement to the celebration.

The evening concluded with a lantern-lit night stroll, where local families and the Chinese community alike immersed themselves in the beauty of traditional culture. The warm and joyful atmosphere filled the night, bringing a perfect end to this unforgettable Lantern Festival celebration.