01. Background of the Lantern Festival Garden Party
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival, is an integral part of the traditional Chinese New Year festivities. Its origins trace back over two thousand years to the Han Dynasty. Celebrated annually on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, families illuminate lanterns and enjoy glutinous rice balls (汤圆 - tangyuan), symbolizing reunion and happiness.
In modern society, the Lantern Festival presents not only a time for family reunions but also an excellent opportunity for organizations to host engaging employee activities. We're sharing creative inspiration for a "Time-Traveling Lantern Festival Garden Party" to inspire your planning.
Organizing a Lantern Festival Garden Party for employees can strengthen relationships, boost team cohesion, and provide a relaxing opportunity to experience the charm of traditional culture amidst busy work schedules.
02. Why Adopt a Garden Party Format?
A garden party is an activity that integrates entertainment, culture, and interactive elements, making it suitable for various festive events. By featuring multiple interactive booths and performance programs, participants can experience diverse joys throughout the garden party. The Lantern Festival is particularly well-suited for a garden party, as it blends traditional customs with modern entertainment, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere.
The concept of garden parties can be traced back to ancient Chinese garden culture. These gardens were not only gathering places for scholars but also spaces for the public to relax and enjoy nature, poetry, and various forms of entertainment. Over time, garden parties evolved into a form of collective activity widely used for festivities and celebrations.
A garden party is an ideal format for Lantern Festival activities because it fully engages participants, allowing them to experience the joy of the festival through active involvement. Moreover, the diversity and flexibility of garden parties cater to a wide range of age groups and interests.
03. Suggestions for Lantern Festival Garden Party Activities
Here are some activity suggestions suitable for a Lantern Festival Garden Party, designed to inspire you. The "Romantic" series is specially curated around "Centennial Shanghai," offering an immersive experience of modern Shanghai through a century of traditional clothing and culture.
If you're seeking to experience the historical evolution of Centennial Shanghai or immerse yourself in its modern style, the "Romantic Time Travel" themed activities are sure to provide a unique and memorable experience.
Let's get started!
Colorful Lantern Festival: Grand "Painting" Creative Sign-In
This Grand "Painting" Creative Sign-In session is designed to be fun and ceremonious. The sign-in backdrop features patterns waiting to be colored in by participants. Using flowing paint pens, they can creatively graffiti the board as a form of sign-in, symbolizing "Bringing Color to the Event." This session not only provides the joy of artistic creation but also adds a vibrant, artistic atmosphere and a touch of modern flair to the event.
Recommended Reasons:
1. Participants experience the joy and sense of accomplishment through creative graffiti, enhancing the fun of the event.
2. The graffiti sign-in offers a ceremonial start, allowing participants to feel the festive atmosphere and creative energy from the beginning.
3. Introducing a colorful artistic experience enhances the event's fashion-forward appeal, attracting more people to participate.
Tips:
1. Use GRASTER graffiti pens, known for their high-quality ink that flows smoothly and creates excellent graffiti effects. When pressed against the surface, they produce cool flowing effects.
2. Pre-design patterns to simplify the on-site creation process and ensure that each participant can contribute to a visually appealing design.
Romantic: Traditional Chinese Costume Experience
Embark on a romantic time-travel experience to Old Shanghai, where you can follow in the footsteps of the renowned Fengbang tailor (also known as Red Gang tailor) Lv Fang. Try on traditional Chinese garments such as *changshan* (long robes), *duangua* (short jackets), and Zhongshan suits (Mao suits). Journey back to the first half of the 20th century in Shanghai and experience the unique charm of the "Oriental Paris" during its modern era.
Recommended Reasons:
Traditional costumes complement traditional festivals, creating a strong atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. This atmosphere is full of joy, reunion, and warmth. The colors and designs of traditional costumes often resonate with festive decorations, adding to the ritualistic and cultural richness of the festival. Wearing traditional costumes to participate in festive activities not only demonstrates respect for traditional culture but also enhances the sense of participation and belonging.
About Lv Fang:
Lv Fang is one of the famous Red Gang tailors in modern China. Red Gang tailoring originated in Ningbo and is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique cutting style. As a representative of Red Gang tailors, Lv Fang has made significant contributions to both traditional Chinese clothing and modern fashion. Lv Fang is dedicated to inheriting and promoting the traditional skills of Red Gang tailoring and bringing Chinese culture to the world through traditional clothing.
Tips:
1. Partner with a local costume rental shop to provide a variety of sizes and styles.
2. Offer a changing area with mirrors to enhance the experience.
3. Create signage with information about each garment's history and significance.
Romantic: Time-Travel Photo Studio
Set up a pop-up "Time-Travel Photo Studio" on-site, combining the traditional costume experience with a nostalgic-themed photo booth. Participants can wear traditional costumes and capture cherished moments with colleagues, family, and friends, reliving the wonderful memories of taking photos during past Spring Festivals. This is not only a cultural experience but also an emotional journey, allowing people to appreciate the charm of traditional culture while celebrating the festival.
Recommended Reasons:
By combining the traditional costume experience with a photo shoot, the event is infused with a strong Chinese New Year spirit and warmth, bringing people closer together. Participants can take photos with colleagues, family members, and friends, creating precious souvenir photos. These photos not only capture beautiful moments but also hold emotions and memories, becoming valuable keepsakes for the future.
Tips:
1. Position the "Time-Travel Photo Studio" next to the costume experience area to make it convenient for participants to change costumes and take photos, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
2. Offer both professional and self-service photo booths. A professional photographer can ensure high-quality photos, while self-service booths encourage creativity and cater to different aesthetic preferences.
3. Prepare festive handheld props such as lanterns, fans, and couplets to make the photos more vivid and colorful, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
4. Provide on-site photo printing services so participants can receive their photos immediately, adding to the commemorative value of the event.
Brush and Ink Welcoming Spring: Ink Wash Sketch Booth
The Ink Wash Sketch Booth offers participants a unique artistic interaction. Skilled artists will create vivid ink wash paintings on-site, allowing participants to witness the artistic creation process and take home a personalized sketch as a souvenir. This experience not only adds a cultural atmosphere to the event but also leaves participants with beautiful memories and a sense of the charm of traditional Chinese art.
Recommended Reasons:
1. Provides participants with meaningful souvenirs: personalized sketches that capture beautiful moments during the event and carry unique personal memories, becoming cherished collectibles.
2. The process of participants queuing for creation also adds to the lively atmosphere of the event, attracting more people to stop and watch, further enhancing participation and interaction.
Tips:
1. If your event is in Shanghai, consider inviting Mr. Jin Bowen as the on-site sketch artist. A graduate of Zhengzhou Art Academy, he is not only a craftsman and intermediate photographer but also active in many art associations. Mr. Jin Bowen, with his exquisite ink-wash sketching skills and rich artistic accomplishments, can add a unique cultural atmosphere and interactive experience to the event.
2. Creating an ink wash sketch takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes; an ink wash sketch with light colors takes about 6 to 10 minutes.
Brush and Ink Welcoming Spring: Writing "Fu" (福)
Writing "Fu" (福), meaning fortune or good luck, is a traditional Spring Festival activity offering a unique calligraphy experience. Participants can rediscover the charm of traditional Chinese calligraphy, learn basic techniques, and take home their hand-written "Fu" characters to add to the festive atmosphere.
Recommended Reasons:
Adds a strong cultural atmosphere to the Spring Festival and provides an unforgettable interactive experience. Participants can personally write the character "Fu" and feel the charm of traditional calligraphy, taking their work home as a souvenir.
Tips:
1. Set up long tables covered with festive tablecloths and arrange calligraphy and handicraft activities together to create a lively atmosphere, allowing participants to move freely between different areas.
2. Ensure ample supplies of materials such as calligraphy paper, spring couplet paper, brushes, and ink so that every participant has enough resources to create.
3. Invite professional calligraphers or art teachers to guide participants on-site, helping them complete their works better and enhancing the interaction and professionalism of the activity.
4. Set up a display area to showcase participants' excellent works, increasing the sense of achievement and participation in the event.
Folk Games: "Chinese Golf" - Chuiwan (捶丸)
This "folk game" offers a chance to experience an ancient and unique sport firsthand. Chuiwan originated between the Tang and Northern Song Dynasties and is known as "Chinese Golf," predating modern golf by over 400 years. The event will transport you back in time to experience the popular sport of chuiwan, enjoyed by emperors, commoners, women, and children alike.
Recommended Reasons:
1. Chuiwan is simple, easy to learn, and requires no complicated skills, making it accessible for everyone to quickly pick up and enjoy. It's suitable for participation regardless of age or physical condition.
2. As an ancient sport, chuiwan, known as "Chinese Golf," offers a unique historical background and cultural connotation, adding fun and attraction to the event.
Tips:
1. Simplify the rules of chuiwan competitions, such as introducing a challenge where participants attempt to hit the ball into a hole with one stroke, rewarding those who succeed with small prizes.
2. Chuiwan props are readily available on e-commerce platforms and can be purchased according to your needs.
Folk Experience: Traditional Lantern Riddles (灯谜)
The traditional lantern riddle section is filled with wisdom and fun. Various riddles are hung at the event site, and participants can solve them one by one, experiencing the charm of traditional culture. Participants who correctly solve the riddles will have the chance to win exquisite prizes, enhancing the interaction and fun of the event.
Recommended Reasons:
1. Lantern riddles are a traditional part of the Lantern Festival, allowing participants to experience the charm of Chinese traditional culture and enhance cultural identity.
2. The content of the riddles is rich and diverse, both interesting and challenging, attracting participants of different age groups and adding interest to the event.
3. Solving lantern riddles requires certain wisdom and thinking ability, stimulating participants' minds and increasing the challenge and appeal of the event.
4. The props and decorations for the riddles themselves add festivity to the event site, balancing the event experience with New Year decorations.
Tips:
1. During the puzzle-solving process, interactive sessions can be arranged, such as the host explaining the origins and answers of the riddles to increase the fun and educational aspect of the event.
2. Have a variety of riddles at different difficulty levels to cater to a wide range of ages.
Folk Games: Fun Pitch-Pot (投壶)
Fun pitch-pot is an ancient and interesting traditional activity. Pitch-pot originated in the pre-Qin period, evolving from archery into a throwing sport with a long history. Participants stand at a certain distance and throw arrows into a pot, with the number of hits determining the winner. Pitch-pot is not only a sports activity but also an entertaining game suitable for adding a festive atmosphere.
Recommended Reasons:
1. Pitch-pot, as an ancient Chinese game, has a profound historical and cultural background, allowing participants to appreciate the elegance and etiquette of ancient scholars.
2. The rules of pitch-pot are simple and easy to follow, requiring no complicated skills, making it accessible for everyone to quickly pick up and enjoy.
Tips:
1. Encourage participants to compete in pairs, increasing the competitiveness and interaction of the game. Various competition stages, such as singles and doubles matches, can be set up to diversify the event.
2. Prepare small prizes for winners and participants, such as souvenirs or snacks, to increase the fun and attraction of the event. Small prizes can motivate everyone to actively participate, adding more joy to the event.
3. Depending on the venue, it is recommended to set the throwing distance to 1 to 2 meters, ensuring the game's fun and allowing participants of all ages to join easily.
Fun Blessings: Coin Toss for Blessings (抛币祈福)
Coin tossing for blessings is an ancient tradition where people express their wishes, prayers, or gratitude by tossing coins to gods or sacred objects. This custom has deep cultural roots in China, similar to the ancient tradition of tossing "yasheng coins" into wells for protection and blessings. Now, coin tossing for blessings can be both an interactive game and a festive decoration, serving a dual purpose.
Recommended Reasons:
1. Coin tossing for blessings is a classic activity during Chinese traditional festivals, with profound cultural significance, allowing participants to feel the unique charm of the Lantern Festival and traditional customs.
2. By tossing coins for blessings, participants can express their wishes and blessings for the New Year, adding a sense of ceremony and sanctity to the festival.
3. The coin tossing activity is simple and easy to participate in, suitable for all ages. Participants can interact in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, enhancing the fun and engagement of the event.
Tips:
1. Coin-tossing props are readily available on e-commerce platforms and can be purchased according to your needs.
2. For added atmosphere, coin-tossing can be arranged around a beautifully decorated wishing well or fountain.
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Festive Blessings - Fortune Note & Red Envelope Wall Greeting
This Fortune Card & Red Envelope Wall Sign-In is full of fun and ceremony. The sign-in backdrop is adorned with red envelopes, each containing a random fortune card and a prize voucher. Participants can randomly select a red envelope to reveal unique blessings and a chance to win a prize. This activity not only adds a festive atmosphere to the event but also ensures that participants feel blessed and lucky from the very beginning.
Recommended Reasons:
1. Participants experience the fun and surprise of winning prizes by unveiling the fortune card and red envelope, increasing the event's entertainment value.
2. The Fortune Card & Red Envelope Wall Sign-In is filled with the ceremonial significance of traditional festivals, allowing participants to feel the festive atmosphere at the start of the event.
3. Each fortune card and red envelope contains different blessings, allowing participants to feel warmth and care throughout the event, increasing the event's appeal.
4. The included prize vouchers provide participants with a chance to win prizes, increasing anticipation and enthusiasm.
Tips:
1. Prepare some gold markers near the sign-in backdrop and encourage participants to sign their names on the backdrop after removing the red envelope. This not only adds to the ceremony but also allows participants to leave behind fond memories, further increasing the event's interactivity and participation.
2. Place small bills or coins inside the red envelopes to increase participants' sense of surprise and the event's appeal. You could also include leadership greeting cards with blessings and encouragement, allowing everyone to feel care and warmth, or include small gift vouchers such as coffee vouchers or movie tickets, giving participants the chance to receive extra benefits.
Handicrafts: Sparkling Koi Fish Lantern DIY
The shimmering fish lanterns sparkle brilliantly, symbolizing abundance year after year and embodying people's heartfelt wishes for a bright future. The Koi Fish Lantern DIY activity is highly appealing to both craft enthusiasts and children, allowing participants to take pride in their handmade fish lanterns as they dance joyfully with their creations.
Recommended Reasons:
The Koi Fish Lantern DIY offers an excellent opportunity for craft enthusiasts to fully utilize their hands-on skills and enjoy the fun of creating something unique.
For children, this DIY activity provides an engaging and educational experience. It not only enhances their practical skills and creativity but also introduces them to the traditional culture of the Lantern Festival.
Tips:
Koi Fish Lantern DIY material kits are readily available on e-commerce platforms; participants can choose according to their needs.
Set up long tables covered with festive tablecloths, arranging calligraphy, handicrafts, and other related activities together to create a lively atmosphere, allowing participants to move freely between different areas.
An event photographer can encourage participants to take photos with their Koi Fish Lantern creations—natural props that radiate joy and festivity!
Lucky Draw - Rolling Fortune
Rolling Fortune is an engaging and entertaining lottery game suitable for all ages. A mat featuring labels such as "First Prize," "Second Prize," "Third Prize," and "Fourth Prize" is set up on a table. Participants take turns rolling a Coca-Cola can, and when the can comes to rest on a label, they win the corresponding prize. Join us and see if luck is on your side!
Recommended Reasons:
Easy and Enjoyable: The game is simple; participants only need to roll the can, making it accessible for everyone.
Excitement of Lottery: This game captures the thrill and anticipation of a lottery, fulfilling the desire for chance-based activities while adding festive cheer.
Tips :
The mat can either be custom-designed or purchased in standard styles from e-commerce platforms.
The dimensions of the mat in the picture are 240×70 cm.
Lucky Draw - Bingo
Bingo is a timeless and entertaining activity that brings people together. Each participant receives a bingo card filled with random numbers. A host or guest draws numbers at random and announces them, while participants mark their cards. The first person to complete a specific pattern—such as a row, column, or diagonal—wins a prize!
Recommended Reasons:
Simple Rules: Bingo features easy-to-understand rules, making it accessible for participants of all ages.
Excitement and Anticipation: Each number drawn adds an element of surprise and excitement, enhancing the overall fun of the game.
Social Interaction: Played with multiple participants, Bingo encourages interaction and communication, strengthening social bonds among players.
Tips :
Timing: Schedule the Bingo game at the end of the event to create a sense of anticipation and surprise as everyone concludes the garden party.
Engagement Incentives: Use bingo cards as rewards for participation in various fun activities throughout the event. Participants can earn bingo cards after completing a set number of activities, boosting their enthusiasm and engagement.
Clear Instructions: Before starting the game, clearly explain the rules to all participants to ensure everyone understands how to play and win.
Get ready for an exciting game of Bingo that promises fun, laughter, and memorable moments!
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