Das Laternenfest

The custom of women walking across three bridges during the Lantern Festival is an ancient tradition inherited in the southern regions of the Yangtze River in China. On the night of the Lantern Festival or the 16th day of the first lunar month, women go out in groups and stop after crossing three bridges, in order to dispel diseases. This is a ritual activity where ordinary people seek to avoid disasters, pray for children, and obtain blessings.

“Walking across three bridges”, also known as “walking bridges”, became popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties. According to Records of Qingjia, on the night of the Lantern Festival, women would go out in groups at night to ward off diseases, and they must cross three bridges before stopping, which was called “walking across three bridges”. Initially named “walking off all illnesses”, this custom was known as “walking across three bridges” in Suzhou and other areas of Jiangnan.

During the process of walking across three bridges, women usually dress up carefully in festive attire and go out in groups. They choose bridges with auspicious names, such as Changqing Bridge (Longevity Bridge), Jili Bridge (Auspicious Bridge), and Taiping Bridge (Peace Bridge), and cross them in sequence. They believe this can eliminate all diseases and pray for favorable weather, peace, and tranquility throughout the year. At the same time, walking across three bridges also embodies the beautiful wishes of avoiding disasters, praying for children, and seeking blessings.