Sound the Drums, It’s the 20th Anniversary of The Magic of Lanterns at the Montreal Botanical Garden! The tradition lives on in 2012 at the Chinese Garden of the Montreal Botanical Garden with this year’s Chinese Lantern display themed; “The Celestial Banquet”. Join Xi Wang Mu, Queen Mother of the West, as she hosts the “Feast of Peaches”. The Jade Emperor and his wife Xi Wangmu (Queen Mother of the West) ensured the deities’ everlasting existence by feasting them with the peaches of immortality.
The Celestial Banquet “Feast of Peaches”
The immortals residing in the palace of Xi Wangmu were said to celebrate an extravagant banquet called the “Feast of Peaches” (蟠桃會 Pántáo Huì, or 蟠桃勝會 Pántáo Shènghuì). The immortals waited six thousand years before gathering for this magnificent feast; the peach tree put forth leaves once every thousand years and it required another three thousand years for the fruit to ripen. Statues depicting Xi Wangmu’s attendants often held three peaches. And the Eight Immortals crossing the seas to attend the banquet is a popular subject in paintings.
Aki, Fall in the Japanese Garden
Aki, Fall in the Japanese Garden
This year features some new and interesting attractions in the neighboring water garden and the Japanese Garden! Aki, Fall in the Japanese Garden is sure to marvel visitors of all ages as the Japanese Garden comes to life in a magical show of light and music. Although I had a chance to preview this wonderful new event, I’m not going to tell you too much nor show you too many images. Not only is it a surprise, it’s brand new and believe me you have to experience it for yourself. I had the opportunity to stand alone in front of the pine forest and experience it without any distraction from other visitors. The experience was absolutely magical!
Schedule:
The event Gardens of light will be held from September 7 to November 4, 2012 and the Botanical Garden will remain open daily until 9 P.M. for the occasion. Guided tours of the Lanterns – Daily at 6:30 p.m. (30 min) from 7 septembre au 4 novembre 2012. Come join the Celestial Banquet and learn about the fascinating story of this celebration. Jingju: Peking Opera – September 7 and 8, 2012 at Henry Teuscher Auditorium
7 and 8:15 p.m. (free) Chinese percussion – Tuesday from 7 septembre au 4 novembre 2012
at 6, 6:45, 7:30 and 8:15 p.m. (except October 9 and 16) Melodies on the erhu, the Chinese two-stringed violin – September 15, 22 and 29, 2012
6:30 to 9 p.m. (October: Saturday and Sunday) Montréal Botanical Garden
4101, rue Sherbrooke Est
Montréal (Québec)
Canada, H1X 2B2
Phone: 514 872-1400
Fax: 514 872-4917