The Floating Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese calendar, which falls on March 3 in 2026. This festival involves the release of traditional Chinese lanterns, made from paper or oiled silk, onto waterways or into the air. Floating lanterns, also known as water lanterns, are designed to be set adrift on water, while sky lanterns are meant to fly into the sky. The lanterns are often decorated with paper shapes, such as animals or Chinese characters, and are believed to bring fertility to the land, as water spirits welcome them with happiness. The festival has roots in ancient customs and has spread to various Asian countries, including Korea and Japan, due to Chinese cultural influence. Although it is celebrated in many places, it is not recognized as an official public holiday in Mainland China, meaning people generally do not receive time off work or school for the event. In the United States, celebrations like the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival are gaining popularity.