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Next edition: September 7 to November 4, 2012
THE MAGIC OF LANTERNSAt the Chinese Garden of the Montréal Botanical Garden2011 Edition |
 The Magic of Lanterns 2011 Slide show  |
«The First Emperor's Procession»To mark its 20th anniversary, the Chinese Garden at the
Montréal Botanical Garden is inviting Montrealers of all ages to enjoy
the 19th edition of The Magic of Lanterns, on the theme of “The First Emperor's Procession”.
The Botanical Garden will remain open until 9 p.m. daily from September 9 to October 31, 2011 for the occasion. |  |
A new way to explore history
The first in a line of some 400 Chinese emperors, Qin Shi Huangdi is one of history’s most intriguing figures. Visitors will be able to admire about 900 lanterns as they stroll through the exhibition. Among the new illuminated structures are a gate, guard towers, military and other chariots and gongs, bells and drums. Come marvel at the procession of the First Emperor and his cavalry as they triumphantly enter his capital, Xianyang!
Chinese lanterns, a millennia-old tradition
The use of decorative lanterns to brighten and illuminate Chinese festivities is said to date back to the
Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). The tradition of stringing up lanterns on the 15th day of the first lunar
month probably originated during the Sui Dynasty (581-618).
Over the next several centuries, commoners began using lanterns to mark the end of the Chinese NewYear’s
celebration – a practice that had previously been an Imperial prerogative. Glittering lanterns were now
produced in all sorts of shapes.
A tradition at the Garden
The lanterns at the Botanical Garden are handcrafted by skilful artists here and in China. They are designed in Montréal and produced in Shanghai, with traditional methods. Then they are brought by ship to Montréal and painstakingly arranged at the Botanical Garden to create an absolutely magical spectacle. Imagine 700 traditional lanterns, along with theme lanterns, illuminating the fall sky – like a cloud of stars lighting up the heavens!
The magic of energy conservation
Our societies' concerns have changed a great deal over the centuries. From Imperial China to present-day Quebec, the conquest of light over shadows now involves energy conservation, too. The lighting for The Magic of Lanterns was modernized in 2008, with the new TFT LED Contactless System. The new system means a substantial reduction in energy use (nearly 10 times less) during the event, and is more reliable, even in poor weather.
Don’t miss
The Lanterns in Music - Tuesdays (drum and gong) and Saturdays (guzheng), from September 9 to October 31, 2011
at 5:15, 6, 6:45, 7:15 and 8 p.m.
Beijing Opera under the Lanterns - September 22 and 28, 2011 at 6, 6:30, 7:15 and 8 p.m.
Excerpts from the Beijing Opera (song and dance)
Guided Tours of the Lanterns - Daily, at 2 and 6 p.m. (30 min), from September 9 to October 31, 2011
Learn all about the Garden and China’s First Emperor
Make great pictures thanks to the Lozeau photo workshops - October 15 and 16, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Light up our Lanterns (BIXI) - from September 9 to October 31, 2011
Transform yourself into a source of renewable energy and light up our lanterns.
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Thank you for your participation from September 9 to October 31, 2011 The winner will be announced on November 7, 2011. |
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THE MAGIC OF LANTERNS Chinese Garden
To Accès Montréal card-holders: |
