The Five-Colored Carousel Mini Lanterns of the 2014 Taipei Lantern Festival Make Their Early Debut

 

The 2014 Taipei Lantern Festival will be held from February 7 to 16, offering a 10-day lantern art celebration at the Taipei Expo Park’s Yuanshan and Hua Shan parks. The much-awaited mini lanterns have been revealed early this year, deviating from the traditional single zodiac animal designs of previous years. In line with the 2014 Taipei Lantern Festival’s vibrant fairy-tale theme, the mini lanterns are presented in an unprecedented form—a joyful and dreamy “carousel,” complete with a functional spinning feature. It is hoped that at the start of the new year, everyone can “spin” their way to a year full of happiness and good fortune.

The 2014 Taipei Lantern Festival mini lanterns are named “Dream-骏” (Dream Steed), inspired by the meaning of the zodiac horse—galloping and roaming freely. The name plays on the homophone of the Chinese character “骏” (meaning “steed” or “fine horse”), evoking the joyful and “Dream”-like concept of a carousel. The central pole of the carousel features a deep blue night sky adorned with colorful fireworks, reflecting silhouettes of iconic Taipei landmarks such as Taipei 101, the Grand Hotel, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and a Ferris wheel—creating the feeling of being inside a joyful Taipei amusement park. Additionally, another surprising design element gives the mini lanterns a “spinning” life of their own, vividly representing a rotating carousel in a funfair. It is also hoped that as the “Dream-骏” spins, it will bring a whole year of joy and good luck to those who hold it.

 

The “Dream-骏” mini lantern is composed of five steeds, each with a different coat color, symbolizing various meanings. The “White Horse,” modeled after the image of a prince on a white steed, represents boundless charm; the simple and natural “Brown Horse” stands for enthusiasm, freedom, and love for nature; the unexpected victor “Black Horse” symbolizes excellence and standing out from the crowd; the “Red Horse,” inspired by the legendary brave warhorse Red Hare, signifies strength and might; and the majestic, elegant, and beautiful “Purple Horse” represents good fortune and luck.

 

A total of 180,000 mini lanterns will be produced this year and will be given out starting at 1:00 PM on February 8 and 9 at 14 distribution points simultaneously. Following last year’s method, in addition to all 12 administrative districts of Taipei City, the lanterns will also be distributed at the “Lantern Riddle Arena side” and the “entrance of the Flower Tunnel in Hua Shan Park” during the lantern festival. Distribution is limited to one per person, and quantities are limited—first come, first served.

 

The 2014 Taipei Lantern Festival will kick off on January 25 by lighting up a 2.9-kilometer stretch of Happiness Taipei Lantern Sea along Zhongshan North Road Sections 1 to 3, casting dazzling lights on the streets and buildings along the route to create a romantic and warm festive atmosphere. From February 7 to 16, over a 10-day period, the main exhibition areas at Taipei Expo Park’s Yuanshan and Hua Shan parks will illuminate Taipei’s night sky with brilliant lights.

 

 

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