Lunar Lanterns At Circular Quay
Take a short stroll around Circular Quay to discover 12 larger-than-life animal signs of the Lunar zodiac.
Explore the Lunar Lanterns from Friday 16 February to Sunday 25 February.
The Lunar Lanterns are a creative, contemporary interpretation of a centuries-old tradition. Exclusively designed by Australian artists, with Festival Curator Claudia Chan Shaw, the Lunar Lanterns tower up to 13 metres tall.
Marvel at modern technology blended with classic Chinese techniques as these magical lanterns light up Sydney’s harbour.
- The Rooster
- The Sheep
- The Dragon
- The Snake
- The Dog
- The Rat
- The Monkey
- The Ox
- The Tiger
- The Horse
- The Pig
- The Rabbit
Find your zodiac sign, catch a live performance by our community groups or simply enjoy summer in Sydney in a unique celebration of the Lunar New Year. While you’re there, stop by Museum of Contemporary Art’s pop-up Colour Fields bar. It’s open until Saturday 24 February.
Download the Sydney Culture Walks app for a fun, easy way to navigate the festival and Lunar Lanterns.
Explore the 12 Lunar Lanterns at Circular Quay during the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival.
The Lunar Lanterns will be illuminated from dusk each day, however they can be viewed in daylight.
Lunar Lantern: The Sheep
This is one Sheep that will stand out in a crowd!
Produced by the City of Sydney
The Sheep Lunar Lantern takes the form of a giant Merino ram. The Merino is an Australian icon, immortalised in Goulburn’s Big Merino, the jolly jumbuck in the song Waltzing Matilda, Tom Roberts’ painting Shearing the Rams and the logo for Golden Fleece petrol.
This majestic, woolly character is kindhearted and noble, and as can be seen from his impeccable appearance, has excellent taste.
CNY Sheep Lantern - photo by Selena Griffith
About the artist
Alexandra Sommer and Brad Clark are graduates of NIDA who have collaborated on 7 consecutive Chinese New Year celebrations with the City of Sydney. They have designed parade floats, costumes and delivered such projects as the Dragon Ball at Town Hall in 2012. They have worked on the Lunar Lanterns exhibition since it began in 2016.
The zodiac symbol of the Sheep can be characterised as tasteful, warm and intuitive. The sensitive Sheep offers a quiet life of creativity and compassion.
Lunar Lantern: The Tiger
This lantern represents happiness, wealth, peace and prosperity.
Produced by the City of Sydney
In Chinese culture, the tiger incites both awe and admiration for its prowess, ferocity and beauty. This big cat is full of life and embodies the spirit and drive to achieve and make progress.
The tiger represents the greatest earthly power, as well as protection over human life. The sign on this tiger’s forehead spells ‘king’, which is common in most Chinese symbols depicting a tiger.
CNY Tiger Lantern - photo by Selena Griffith
About the artist
Malaysian-born Kevin Bathman is an artist and graphic designer who has worked in Sydney, Auckland and Kuala Lumpur. Among his projects is The Chindian Diaries, an arts and community project exploring the connection, history and forgotten stories of the Chinese and Indian community.
The zodiac symbol of the Tiger can be characterised as enthusiastic, courageous and ambitious. The Tiger is a born leader.
Lunar Lantern: The Dog
Who doesn't love a dog?
Produced by the City of Sydney
Artist Song Ling’s mysterious dog is painted in bright primary colours. Floating between past, present and future, it casts its bright, inquisitive eyes upon the world, stopping only to hold up things of importance, so that we might be reminded of their spiritual value.
About the artist
Song Ling received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1984 from the China National Academy of Fine Arts. In 1988 he came to Australia and participated in some of the first exhibitions of contemporary Chinese art in this country. He is represented in many public and private collections. Ling has been a finalist in the Archibald Prize (2008 and 2011), Wynne Prize (2010 and 2011), Sulman Prize (2009) and the Blake Prize for Religious Art (2007).
The Zodiac symbol of The Dog can be characterised as loyal, smart and sociable. Dogs are a friend to many.
Lunar Lantern: The Snake
amigo and amigo’s breathtaking suspended snake slithers overhead again in 2018
Produced by the City of Sydney
The physical allure of the snake is explored in its sinuous form.
Inspired by the traditional art of Chinese kite-making, this golden snake flies above the public, representing prosperity and wealth. The artists have also featured the Chinese happiness symbols in the eyes as a symbol of good fortune for the coming year.
About the artists
amigo and amigo, co-founded by Simone Chua and Renzo B Larriviere, is a Sydney-based lighting and design studio that explores the combination of light and sculpture in public spaces. Best known for its large-scale interactive works, amigo and amigo has exhibited extensively in Australia, and recently in Shanghai, China.
The zodiac symbol of the Snake can be characterised as private, wise and intuitive. The enigmatic snake has no qualms about putting itself first.
Explore the 12 Lunar Lanterns at Circular Quay during the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival.
The Snake Lunar Lantern facts:
- A 23-metre long gold, glistening snake.
- Inspired by the traditional art of Chinese kite-making.
- Its eyes feature the Chinese character for ‘fortune’ upside down, as a symbol of good fortune arriving for the new year.
Lunar Lantern: The Roosters
amigo and amigo’s stunning 8 metre high sculptures return
Produced by the City of Sydney
The 2 Roosters engaged in a dancing fight symbolise their strength and courage in opposing the adversity of the coming year.
To highlight the Roosters’ beauty and confidence, vibrant colours feature throughout their feathers. The lanterns tower 8 metres in height, ensuring that these 2 magnificent creatures are the centre of attention.
CNY Rooster Lanterns - photos by Selena Griffith
About the artist
amigo and amigo, co-founded by Simone Chua and Renzo B. Larriviere, is a Sydney-based lighting and design studio that explores the combination of light and sculpture in public spaces. Best known for large-scale interactive works, amigo and amigo has exhibited extensively in Australia.
The zodiac symbol of the Rooster can be characterised as honest, energetic and intelligent. The flamboyant Rooster is confident and is not afraid of hard work.
The Rooster lantern facts:
- 8 metres in height.
- Vibrant in colour.
- Symbolises strength and courage in opposing the adversity of the coming year.
- The Rooster lantern is presented by Ayam.
Lunar Lantern: The Rat
Guo Jian’s 6 metre high declaration of L-O-V-E is back
Produced by the City of Sydney
The Rat lantern is inspired by Guo Jian’s experience of moving to Australia and being embraced and supported by the Sydney LGBTIQ communities.
At first glance, the Rat is light, fun and visually entertaining. Look closer and you’ll see the Chinese character for ‘love’ creating a bridge between China and Sydney.
About the artist
Guo Jian first arrived in Sydney in 1992. His provocative work has been exhibited and collected in Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, the US, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and China.
The zodiac symbol of The Rat can be characterised as intelligent, adaptable and social. The quick-witted Rat cannot let an opportunity to prosper pass them by. The Rat lantern will feature as the backdrop to our fantastic Lunar Lantern community performance groups, every Friday and Saturday evening throughout the festival.
The Rat lantern facts:
- Guo Jian’s rats tower 6 metres high.
- The Rats are inspired by Guo Jian’s experience of moving to Australia and being embraced by the Sydney LGBTIQ communities.
- The Chinese characters symbolise ‘love’ and create a bridge between China and Sydney.
- 2,400 hours to build by a team of 10.
- 500 metres of fabric used to cover approximately 2 tonnes of steel frame.
Lunar Lantern: The Pig
John Deng's cheeky flying pigs are a new addition to the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival
Produced by the City of Sydney
In China, the pig is known for having a lucky and happy character and a sense of humour. In the western world, people say ‘pigs might fly’. This artwork explores both eastern and western notions about this lovable animal.
CNY Pig Lantern - photos by Selena Griffith
About the artist
Born in Beijing 1964, John Deng studied architecture and interior design at the China Central Fine Arts and Design Institute. He arrived in Australia in 1989 and lives in Goulburn. He has held exhibitions in China and Australia and his work is held in private and corporate collections.
The figure of the Zodiac Pig can be characterised as honorable, philanthropic and optimistic. The Pig can be incredibly focused and achieve great things.
The Pig lantern is presented by KIIS 1065.
Lunar Lantern: The Horse
Artist Qian Jian Hua reimagines the Horse symbol for a modern, Sydney audience
Produced by the City of Sydney
Inspired by the famous chariots unearthed alongside the terracotta warriors of Xi’an, artist Qian Jian Hua reimagines the Horse symbol for a modern Sydney audience. Acknowledging China’s long military history, the Horse lantern depicts ancient war horses leading a chariot.
About the artist
Qian Jian Hua was born in Nanjing and came to Australia in 1991 as a visiting scholar. He now lives and works in Sydney, and his sculptures have been displayed in many major exhibitions in Australia.
The Zodiac symbol of The Horse can be characterised as adaptable, loyal and courageous. The always active Horse stands tall in the crowd.
Explore the 12 Lunar Lanterns at Circular Quay during the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival.
The Horse Lantern facts:
- Re-imagined for a modern, Sydney audience.
- Acknowledges China’s long military history.
- The Horse lantern is inspired by the Terracotta Warriors.
Lunar Lantern: The Dragon
Guan Wei's mystical Dragon is a new addition to the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival
Produced by the City of Sydney
Artist Guan Wei’s Loong (Dragon) is a fantastic being of immense power and mysticism, and the emblem of Chinese culture. In this lantern, a little boy retrieves a jewel from Loong’s mouth, enabling Loong to spit water and bring rain to the land.
About the artist
Born in Beijing in 1957, Guan Wei came to Australia in 1989 to take up a residency at the Tasmanian School of Art. His profoundly symbolic work has a moral dimension, his subjects embodying current social and environmental dilemmas. Guan Wei has held 50 solo exhibitions, and his art is held in collections including the Australian Embassy in Beijing, Art Gallery of NSW and Australian National University, Canberra.
The zodiac symbol of the Dragon can be characterised as lucky, flexible and eccentric. The charismatic Dragon is as generous as it is powerful.
Symbols on each side of Loong signify a relationship with local Australian culture.
Lunar Lantern: The Rabbit
The tai chi bunnies return for the 2018 Sydney Chinese New Year Festival
Produced by the City of Sydney
Discover these 8 playful rabbits practising tai chi with the Sydney Opera House Bridge as a backdrop. Chinese New Year Festival Curator Claudia Chan Shaw invites you to join the circle and try out rabbit tai chi poses, or just wander among these whimsical creatures and get in the bunny spirit.
CNY Rabbit Lantern - photos by Selena Griffith
About the artist
Claudia Chan Shaw is an artist, author and designer for fashion label, Vivian Chan Shaw. Her career spans art and design, photography, curating, broadcasting, collecting and lecturing. She was co-host of the ABC’s popular TV program Collectors. Her work has been exhibited in Australia and is held in private collections.
The Zodiac symbol of the Rabbit can be characterised as trustworthy, empathetic and friendly. The Rabbit is sociable, relishing in the company of others.
The Rabbit Lantern facts:
- You can join the rabbits and try out the tai chi poses.
- Each rabbit is 2.5 metres high.
- The eight rabbits are dressed in green, blue, yellow, red and purple happi coats
Lunar Lantern: The Ox
A stunning display featuring over 26,000 LED pixels.
Produced by the City of Sydney
The majestic Ox takes pride of place in Circular Quay, in a stunning display featuring over 26,000 LED pixels. A nod to the game of mahjong, the 10-metre high Ox is made up of hundreds of illuminated mahjong tiles, projecting an enchanting light and creating a link between heaven and earth.
About the artist
Tianli Zu was born in Beijing and now lives in Sydney. She has exhibited extensively in Australia and China and her work captures her experiences of different places and cultures.
The figure of the Zodiac Ox can be characterised as loyal, reliable and strong. The determined Ox is always diligent.
CNY Ox Lantern - photo by Selena Griffith
The Ox Lantern facts:
- 10m high, 10.2m long and 4.8m wide.
- Over 700 lanterns in the shape of mahjong tiles took a team of 10 over 1,500 hours to complete.
- Each tile is 650mm by 485mm by 120mm in size.
- Over 26,000 LED pixels have been used to light up the enchanted beast.
- The Ox lantern is presented by The Star.
Chinatown Dog Lanterns
Check out artist Fan Dongwang's sculptures
Produced by the City of Sydney
Chinatown will be watched by 2 guardian dogs towering 3.8 metres above the street. The pattern and colour of the red and blue dogs reflect the opposite qualities of yin and yang, as well as the happy, celebratory atmosphere of the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival.
About the artist
Fan Dongwang studied at Shanghai School of Arts and Crafts (SSAC) in the 1970s. In 1990 he migrated to Australia, obtaining a Master of Arts at COFA in 1995, and a Doctor of Creative Art at Wollongong University in 1999.
The Chinatown Dog Lanterns are presented by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
The Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac is a classification scheme that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. The 12-year cycle is an approximation to the 11.86-year orbital period of Jupiter, the largest planet of the solar system. It and its variations remain popular in several East Asian countries including China, South Korea, Japan, and Mongolia, as well as in other Asian countries like Vietnam, Burma, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, along with the Buddhist calendar.
According to one mythical legend, there is a reason for the order of the 12 animals in the 12-year cycle. The story goes that a race was held to cross a great river, and the order of the animals in the cycle was based upon their order in finishing the race. In this story, the Snake compensated for not being the best swimmer by hitching a hidden ride on the Horse's hoof, and when the Horse was just about to cross the finish line, jumping out, scaring the Horse, and thus edging it out for sixth place.
The same 12 animals are also used to symbolize the cycle of hours in the day, each being associated with a two-hour time period. The "hour" of the Snake is 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., the time when the sun warms up the earth, and Snakes are said to slither out of their holes. The "month" of the Snake is May 5 to June 5.
The reason the animal signs are referred to as "zodiacal" is that one's personality is said to be influenced by the animal signs ruling the time of birth, together with elemental aspects of the animal signs within the sexagenarian (60 year) cycle. Similarly, the year governed by a particular animal sign is supposed to be characterized by it, with the effects particularly strong for people who were born in a year governed by the same animal sign.
In Buddhism, legend has it that Buddha summoned all of the animals of the earth to come before him before his departure from this earth, but only 12 animals actually came to bid him farewell. To reward the animals who came to him, he named a year after each of them. The years were given to them in the order they had arrived.
The twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac were developed in the early stages of Chinese civilization, over hundreds of years before it developed into the current version; it is difficult to investigate its real origins. Most historians agree that the cat is not included, as they had not yet been introduced to China from India, with the arrival of Buddhism.
There are many stories and fables to explain the beginning of the zodiac. Since the Han Dynasty, the 12 Earthly Branches have been used to record the time of day. However, for the sake of entertainment and convenience, they have been replaced by the 12 animals. The 24 hours are divided into 12 periods, and a mnemonicrefers to the behaviour of the animals:
A Branch may refer to a double-hour period. In the latter case it is the center of the period; for instance, 马 (the Horse) means noon or a period from 11am to 1pm.
• Rat (Zishi): 23:00 to 00:59. This is the time when Rats are most active in seeking food. Rats also have a different number of digits on front and hind legs, thus earning Rat the symbol of "turn over" or "new start".
• Ox (Choushi): 01:00 to 02:59. This is the time when Oxen begin to chew the cud slowly and comfortably.
• Tiger (Yinshi): 03:00 to 04:59. This is the time when Tigers hunt their prey more and show their ferocity.
• Rabbit (Maoshi): 05:00 to 06:59. This is the time when the Jade Rabbit is busy pounding herbal medicine on the Moon according to the tale.
• Dragon (Chenshi): 07:00 to 08:59. This is the time when Dragons are hovering in the sky to give rain.
• Snake (Sishi): 09:00 to 10:59. This is the time when Snakes are leaving their caves.
• Horse (Wushi): 11:00 to 12:59. This is the time when the sun is high overhead and while other animals are lying down for a rest, Horses are still standing.
• Goat (Weishi): 13:00 to 14:59. This is the time when Goats eat grass and urinate frequently.
• Monkey (Shenshi): 15:00 to 16:59. This is the time when Monkeys are lively.
• Rooster (Youshi): 17:00 to 18:59. This is the time when Roosters begin to get back to their coops.
• Dog (Xushi): 19:00 to 20:59. This is the time when Dogs carry out their duty of guarding the houses.
• Pig (Haishi): 21:00 to 22:59. This is the time when Pigs are sleeping sweetly.
The carvings with Chinese Zodiac on the ceiling of the gate to Kushida Shrine in Fukuoka (mirror image, to have animals in the correct order). Image courtesy Jakub Hulan
The Great Race
An ancient folk story tells that Cat and Rat were both very bad at swimming. Although they were poor swimmers, they were both quite intelligent. To get to the meeting called by the Jade Emperor, they had to cross a river to reach the meeting place. The Jade Emperor had also decreed that the years on the calendar would be named for each animal in the order they arrived to the meeting. Cat and Rat decided that the best and fastest way to cross the river was to hop on the back of Ox.Ox, being kind-hearted and naive, agreed to carry them both across.
Midway across the river, Rat pushed Cat into the water. Approaching the other side, the Rat jumped off the Ox and rushed to the Jade Emperor. It was named as the first animal of the zodiac calendar. The Ox, came in second. The third one to come was the Tiger. Even though it was strong and powerful it explained to the Jade Emperor that the currents were pushing him downstream.
Suddenly, from a distance came a thumping sound, and the Rabbit arrived. It explained how it crossed the river: by jumping from one stone to another in a nimble fashion. Halfway through, it almost lost the race, but it was lucky enough to grab hold of a floating log that later washed him to shore. For that, it became the fourth animal in the zodiac cycle. In fifth place was the flying Dragon. The Jade Emperor was wondering why such a swift airborne creature such as the Dragon failed to come in first.
The Dragon explained that it had to stop by a village and brought rain for all the people, and therefore it was held back. Then, on its way to the finish, it saw the helpless Rabbit clinging onto a log so it did a good deed and gave a puff of breath to the poor creature so that it could land on the shore. The Jade Emperor was astonished of the Dragon's good nature, and it was named as the fifth animal. As soon as it had done so, a galloping sound was heard, and the Horse appeared.
Hidden on its hoof was the Snake, whose sudden appearance gave it a fright, thus making it fall back and giving the Snake the sixth spot, while the Horse placed seventh. After a while, the Goat, Monkey and Rooster came to the heavenly gate. With combined efforts they managed to arrive to the other side. The Rooster found a raft and the Monkey and the Goat tugged and pulled trying to get all the weeds out of the way.
The Jade Emperor was pleased with their teamwork and decided to name the Goat as the eighth animal followed by the Monkey and then the Rooster. The eleventh animal placed in the zodiac cycle was the Dog. Although it should have been the best swimmer it wanted to stay in the water and play for a bit. Though his explanation for being late was because it needed a good bath after a long spell. For that, it almost did not make it to the finish line.
Right when the Emperor was going to close the race, an "oink" sound was heard: it was the Pig. "Lazy little Pig" originated from this story. The Pig felt hungry in the middle of the race, so it stopped, ate something and then fell asleep. After it awoke, it finished the race in twelfth place and became the last animal to arrive. The cat eventually drowned, and did not make it in the zodiac. It is said that this is the reason cats always hunt Rats.
Another folk story tells that the Rat deceived the Ox into letting it jump on its back, in order for the Ox to hear the Rat sing, before jumping off at the finish line and finishing first.
In Chinese mythology a story tells that the cat was tricked by the Rat so it could not go to the banquet. This is why the cat is not part of the Chinese zodiac.