Festival Series IV – Yuan Xiao Chinese Lantern Festival Silver Medal
| Name | Festival Series IV – Yuan Xiao Chinese Lantern Festival Silver Medal |
|---|---|
| Composition | 99.9% Pure Silver |
| Diameter |
38 mm |
| Weight |
1 oz |
| Maximum Mintage |
3,000 pieces |
| Image：Obverse |
Eating yuan xiao (glutinous rice dumplings) and going out to participate in activities centered around the carrying, display and appreciation of colorful decorative lanterns are the traditional customs observed at the Yuan Xiao Chinese Lantern Festival. The design of the image is composed of two highly hanging lanterns amid a splash of chrysanthemum blossoms. The.Chinese character “ju,” for chrysanthemum, is similar in pronunciation to that of “ji,” meaning auspicious so that the image of the chrysanthemum is seen as emblematic of auspiciousness. The composition of the image implies that auspicious light is shining for the celebration of the Yuan Xiao Chinese Lantern Festival. |
| Image：Reverse |
The Yuan Xiao Chinese Lantern Festival is also known as the Shangyuan Festival. Shangyuan is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month of the Chinese calendar which day happens to be the birthday of the Taoist deity, Tianguan. According to the legend, Tianguan is in charge of bestowing blessings on the world of mortals. People light their lanterns on this day in prayer to Tianguan for blessings and good fortune in the coming year. Like chrysanthemums for auspiciousness, the bats flying around Tianguan are a rebus for good fortune. |