As the traditional Chinese New Year approaches, “yellow lanterns” that were previously used for offering sacrifices have been hung in many parts of mainland China, sparking a heated debate among the public. Internet users have been mocking the situation, likening it to “a funeral parlor” or a setting for a horror movie, saying “why are they filming a ghost movie?”
According to videos posted by numerous mainland Chinese netizens, more than 10 cities including Beijing’s Dongcheng District, Zhuozhou in Hebei, Jinan in Shandong, Haicang in Xiamen, and Leshan in Sichuan have adorned their main roads with these yellow lanterns, with Jinan being the earliest to do so.
Reports from media outlets such as the New Yellow River and Extreme News revealed that Jinan’s Mingfu City started hanging yellow lanterns as early as January 30th. Additionally, on February 5th, a netizen claimed that streets and alleys in Zhuozhou, Hebei were also decorated with yellow lanterns. Officials from the Gulou Street neighborhood office explained that main roads like Fanyang Road in Zhuozhou had also been adorned with the lanterns. Personnel from Zhuozhou City Urban Management Bureau responded, stating that the lanterns were arranged by the municipal government.
Many internet users criticized the situation, jokingly saying, “During the family reunion for the New Year, they are lighting the way to the underworld, who came up with this?” and “They are filming a horror movie.” Some remarked, “It looks like a funeral parlor” and “It’s like summoning spirits.”
Some users speculated, “Nurhaci died in 1626, this year marks the 400th year of his passing,” while others suggested, “In the Year of the Red Horse and Scarlet Sheep, the Nine Purple Li Fire will burn all demons and monsters, so they are afraid and came up with this trick to deceive everyone into using yellow lanterns to suppress the divine fire, allowing them to survive and continue their mischief.” They added, “This is a scheme to neutralize the ominous fire. It seems to be something influenced by the ‘Red Horse’ year.”
As previously reported, the “Red Horse and Scarlet Sheep Calamity” occurs every 60 years, with the next cycle falling in the years 2026 and 2027. Traditional fortune-telling, prophecies, and folk beliefs suggest that these years will bring about a significant “catastrophe.” Major historical disasters like the Jingkang Incident, the Cultural Revolution, and similar tragedies have all happened during these years.
Amidst the mocking comments from netizens, two mainland Chinese bloggers mentioned that the fresh yellow lanterns hung in Zhuozhou, Hebei were promptly taken down on February 7th. In addition, lanterns hung on Lanzhou’s Zhongshan Bridge were removed overnight after just two days.
Internet users expressed their discontent, saying, “Isn’t this a waste of money?” and “It’s not their money, so they don’t feel the pinch.” They questioned, “Hanging the yellow lanterns must have been guided by the authorities, but which one?” and humorously remarked, “This year’s performance is going down the drain.”