Project #3: Unconventional Furniture

For our community event inspiration that is the foundation behind the design of our chairs, we chose the Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival is one of the oldest standing holidays/events that has surfaced in 221-207 BC, making it over 2,200 years old. Originating from the Qin Dynasty, China has birthed the beginning of this world wide custom. It occurs on the first Chinese lunar month (January 15th) and it is the first night to see the full moon. As it stays true to its name, the lantern festival is full of bright lanterns that fill the sky and in a way it mimics this first full moon. The Lantern Festival is one of the most important events in China, as it seals the deal of the Chinese New Year and marks its end.

Activities that occur during the event are lantern gazing, firework popping, watching performances, and eating Yuanxiao (rice balls) to celebrate. Chinese Valentine’s day is often what the Lantern Festival is referred to as. Another traditional name for the festival is the Shangyuan Festival which refers to heaven in Daoism. There are many different stories behind the Lantern Festival and there is one Buddhist legend that is also believed to be the meaning behind the festival. According to the legend, Sakyamuni defeated the demons on the fifteenth day of the Chinese lunar month and lanterns are lighted in celebration of that. In ancient times, it was said that a bird flew down from heaven to earth and was killed by a villager. The Jade Emperor was angered by this, as it was his favorite bird, so he ordered to burn the village and the people on the 15th day. The daughter of the emperor warned the people and an old man suggested that they burn firecrackers and lit red lanterns to make it appear as though the village was on fire. It worked and the emperor didn’t end up ordering for the village to be burned because he thought it had already been done. Now, ever year, the village relights lanterns and firecrackers to celebrate their victory.

Not all lantern festivals occur on January 15th and many actually occur much later in Spring. It is usually meant to celebrate life, new beginnings, and family. The United States has adapted the festival into a country wide event that includes music, dancing, s’mores, and the sky is lit with thousands of biodegradable lanterns. It is called the “Lantern Fest” with their intention being that you can come and light lanterns with any type of intention, whether that be honoring a loved one or putting your hopes out into the sky. The festival goes year round in different cities for the modern Western adaption of the festival. There are many different renditions of the festival around the world and in our project we want to commemorate this diverse event that celebrates life and community.