Smiling Tiger brings Good Fortune during the Taiwan Lantern Festival

In celebration of the Year of the Tiger, the 2010 Taiwan Lantern Festival has captured the power and auspiciousness of the tiger in the main theme lantern display. The Taiwan Tourism Bureau brought together several experts and scholars to design the main lantern and lantern theme. Due to the rhyme of the Chinese characters for "tiger" and "good fortune," the lantern was named "Good Fortune to Taiwan" and designed with motifs reflecting the spirit of good luck and divine protection of Taiwan.

The Tourism Bureau said that considerable research and thought was put into the lighting, shape, and folk aspects of this year's main theme lantern. Folklore specialists included Prof. Wu Chang-yu (Department of Religious Studies at Fu Jen Catholic University), Wang Shi-yi (Director of the Department of Theatre Arts at Chinese Culture University), Prof. Chou Tsung-hsien (Department of History at Tamkang University), and Peng Fu-hsiung (geomancy expert). The shape of the tiger's small-mouthed smile not only lends to the spirit of the display, but also symbolizes the luck and vigor of the tiger. There are also two laughing and playing tiger cubs, further highlighting the sense of harmony and good fortune.

Designed by Mr. Hsieh Wen-bo, this year's main theme lantern also wears a medallion on his breast with the Chinese character for "Good Fortune," created by Prof. Wang Shi-yi. The lantern is also illuminated with 3D photography techniques developed by the Electronics and Optoelectronics Research Laboratories at Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute, as well as internal and external lighting displays coordinated with music to create a beautiful and dazzling display.

For more details about the Taiwan lantern festivals, please call 1300 787 085 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Related Articles:

• Aboriginal culture
• Religion & Temples
• Feng-shui
• Performing arts
• National Palace Museum
• A Celebration of Tradition and Culture
• Tourism Leaders Gather for Taiwan Tourism Festival