元宵节

元宵节 marks the end of the Spring Festival season (15 days after Chinese New Year). The signature food is 元宵/汤圆 — sweet glutinous rice balls. In the north they're called 元宵 (rolled), in the south 汤圆 (wrapped). The round shape symbolizes family reunion.

history

In ancient China, 元宵节 was one of the few nights when young women were allowed out after dark, making it the traditional Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day. Many classical love poems are set on this night.