October 13, 2017

Gardens Of Light On Now At The Botanical Garden!

Botanical Garden Gardens of Light

 

Gardens of light at the Botanical Garden Montreal

Enjoy this month long celebration for the whole family. So come and explore this popular annual Montreal event.

This year Gardens of Light includes a new lighted path through the Botanical Garden’s three cultural gardens, each looking at nature from a different perspective.

A millenniumold 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). It was during the Tang dynasty (618-907) that common people began using lanterns to mark the end of the New Year’s celebration – a practice that had previously been an Imperial prerogative.

The tradition grew and spread under the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, with glittering lanterns produced in all sorts of shapes.

The tradition lives on today in China, at the start of the lunar year and during the Moon Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

Chinese Garden

The Chinese dragon is a beneficial yet dangerous creature living in the heart of the oceans and clouds. The dragon, symbolizing China, will be the star of the 25th edition of the lantern festival in the Chinese Garden. It will be accompanied by its nine offspring, protecting the newly restored pavilions. And around them will be flying red-crowned cranes, symbolizing the longevity of the friendship between Montréal and Shanghai.

Japanese Garden

The Japanese pay close attention to the cycle of the seasons and take the time to admire the subtle or spectacular changes that occur in nature. This fall, discover the Japanese Garden in the evening, when the soft lighting reveals the plants’ colours and textures and emphasizes the elegance of the pavilions and the harmony of the site. Stroll through a series of scenes in this peaceful garden, as fall steals in.

First Nations Garden

The First Nations Garden is joining the Gardens of Light event this year by illuminating the Sacred Tree, a giant poplar, with different colours representing the Circle of Life, a symbol of the journey through the seasons and nature’s constant changes. A soundtrack will evoke the beating heart of Mother Earth and will be accompanied by a projection of a fire, a symbol of communication between earthly and celestial forces. They come together in the tree, through its branches and roots.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

A journey in music

SEPTEMBER 8 TO OCTOBER 28, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS – The sounds of Japanese instruments will fill the Tea Room, adding to the charm of the visit.

A Scale, a Wish

SEPTEMBER 8 TO OCTOBER 31 – Leave a trace of your passage in the Chinese Garden by helping to complete Dragon Tian Long’s coat of scales.

Chinese tea and pastries

FROM SEPTEMBER 8 TO OCTOBER 31 – Taste Chinese pastries and hot tea in an enchanting setting.

Dragon Dance

SEPTEMBER 15 and OCTOBER 13 – Join the celebrations and watch a real dragon dance featuring about a dozen dancers!

Guided Tours of the lanterns

SEPTEMBER 8 to OCTOBER 31 – Join a nature guide and explore the Land of Dragons.

Japanese flavours

SEPTEMBER 8 TO OCTOBER 31 – Take a break, take the time to taste a good green tea and a typical Japanese sweet.

For more information and directions: Botanical Gardens

View more: Montreal October attractions

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