Taipei City Government

Mayor Ko Wen-je unveiled the mini lantern for the upcoming 2015 Taipei Lantern Festival during a press event on January 28. He joined a group of kindergarten kids – each wearing a pair of cute horns – to promote the free giveaway of the paper lantern for the Year of the Goat.
Dubbed “Hsi Mieh,” the pinkish-purple lantern emanates a vibe of fantasy and night sky. To inject life into the artwork, the designer incorporated puppet mechanism to bring it to life. This special design allows the paper goat to stand, sit, and run, Ko noted.
In addition to the structural innovation, Hsi Mieh also carries auspicious associations, as can be seen from the bat tiara (representing good fortune), patterns of flowers, stars, and moon (symbolizing a bright future), to the agile and energetic posture (hinting at a high-spirited, vigorous year).

The mayor noted that the Department of Civil Affairs will give out 100,000 mini lanterns this year between March 1 and 5. They will be available at designated pick-up locations across the 12 districts and the main exhibition venue in Yuanshan Park.
To learn more about the time and place of the mini lantern giveaway, please visit the Chinese official website of 2015 Taipei Lantern Festival at: http://www.2015taipeilanternfestival.com/2356725552291283033225918.html.