Calligraphy, lanterns and dumplings – Lantern Festival lights up London streets

As hundreds flock to London's Chinatown to indulge in the festive holiday buffets on offer for the last night of the lunar new year, others had alternative plans across the city.

Boutique owner Yang Lei invited guests into her North London shop, Rouge, to celebrate the over 2,000-year-old Lantern Festival holiday more traditionally, with a hands-on approach.

Starting the day's festivities with her friend, calligraphy specialist May Chan, those in attendance at the Newington boutique took to making their own lanterns.

Adorned with messages of hope and love, under the instructing eyes of Chan, the inked and stamped parchments made their way onto wooden frames, to become New Year lanterns of their own.

Established 18 years ago by Yang Lei, Rouge has transformed from a commercial boutique to more of a communal hub, hosting events introducing attendees to cultures and traditions as well as products and artworks from the East.

"I wanted it to be a place where we get together, make things, create, cook and be together," said Lei.

Coming together is a theme of the Lantern Festival. "It's kind of like Valentines Day,"said Chan. "Couples go out and look at the lanterns together."

After lanterns had been made, the ever-busy Lei transitioned from craftsperson to chef, as she instructed visitors how to make traditional Chinese dumplings. From making the dough from scratch, to folding and forming the dumplings, guests spent a humor-filled two hours getting their hands dirty before filling their stomachs.

The Lantern Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday, celebrated on the 15^th day of the new year. Celebrating togetherness and fun for more than 2,000 years, it lives on today.

Historically, nobles would walk around cities with ornate lanterns to mark the last day of the New Year, but in time the festival transformed into a family occasion.

In more recent times children with lanterns containing riddles will go out at night with their families, as vendors sell holiday foods and snacks at fair grounds. The holiday is also popular among couples who see it as a romantic occasion. Light displays are often used to celebrate the holiday. 

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday