Chinese lanterns in 2009, 2010 & 2011
For twenty years, I have been going to see the Chinese lanterns at the Montréal Botanical Garden and I love this incredible & magnificent visual show.
Sometimes I took my photos while the lanterns were being installed during the day. Other times, in the evening.
In this project, I show you my best photos of the year 2009, 2010 and 2011.
“Autumn and winter: Chinese lantern team members find a new theme. The painstaking design work begins. Precise drawing are made for each lantern, and the order, including dimensions, colours and technical assembly specifications, is sent to China.
Spring: artisans in the Shanghai region make each lantern by hand, following the technical drawings sent from Montréal.
May and June: the lanterns are shipped to Montréal by sea, by rail, and finally, by truck.
July and August: the lanterns arrive in Montréal. It takes two months for electricians, carpenters, painters, plumbers, welders and labourers to build the supports, install the electrical wiring and hang up the lanterns in the heart of the Chinese Garden.
September, October and early November: more than 900 lanterns light up the Chinese Garden! ” (Montréal Botanical Garden)
In 2009 : Sky of China
These mythical creatures of traditional Chinese astronomy have inspired the four large lanterns set around the celestial globe. The earth element is represented by the central sphere around which all the others revolve, just as long-ago civilizations revolved around the Middle Kingdom.
In the center of the Dream Lake, the rotating globe represents the celestial vault as imagined by Chinese astronomers. The Black Tortoise of the North represents winter and water, the Azure Dragon of the East corresponds to spring and wood, the Vermillion Bird of the South is associated with summer and fire, and the White Tige of the West represents autumn and metal.
In 2010 : Like a Painting
In 2010, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the friendly relationship established between Shanghai and Montréal, visitors are invited to a trip to the heart of the greatest masterpiece of traditional Chinese painting: the Qing Ming Shang He Tu.
In 2011 : The parade of the first Emperor of China and his cavalry
This exhibition was a tribute in light to the first Emperor of China Qin Shi Huangdi.
The scene on Dream Lake depicted the parade of China's first Emperor and his cavalry entering triumphantly through the portal of his capital Xianyang to the sound of gongs, drums and bells.
