2012 Lantern Festival Photo Gallery

Chinese dragons are symbols of luck, nobility, bravery, strength and knowledge.

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

In China, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon.  China was the birthplace of porcelain making.  This installation consists of more than 40,000 individual pieces of porcelain tied together using ancient techniques.

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

At night, the display takes on a magical air with animation and special effects.

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

The wishing tree is a celebrated element of lantern festival in China.  An oversized coin is tied to the end of a red ribbon.  Make a silent wish and toss the coin into the designated wishing tree, aiming for the highest branch possible.  Traditional belief is that the wish will come true.

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

Jiang Tai Gong was an expert in military affairs.  While waiting to be called into service he waited patiently, fishing with no hook, believing that the fish would come to him of their own volition when they were ready!

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

Flying apsaras are flying celestial beings symbolizing grace and elegance.

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

There are many temples and sculptures depicting the Buddha in China and around the world.  The Leshan Giant Buddha stands 233 feet tall.

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

To the Chinese the lotus symbolizes ultimate purity and perfection because it rises untainted and beautiful from the mud.  The lotus root is commonly pickled and served in salads in several Asian cuisines.

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

Qilins are rare creatures composed of different animal forms, some real and some mythical.  They look fierce, but they are peaceful creatures and symbols of protection, success, and longevity.

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

The warriors depicted here represent figures from the Terracotta Army, a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. 

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski

The Lantern Festival in St. Louis is coming to an end, but it was a celebration of the Garden's long history of botanical research and close collaboration with China that will not soon be forgotten.

Photo by Cathy Smentkowski