【翻译-汉译英练习】
灯笼(lantern)又称为灯彩，起源于1800多年前的西汉时期(Western Han Dynasty)。在古代，灯笼的主要作用是照明。现在，灯笼综合了绘画艺术、剪纸(paper cutting )、纸扎、刺缝(seam)等工艺，已经变成了一种供收藏与欣赏的传统工艺品(traditional art and craft)。每逢佳节庆典到处都可以看到灯笼，特别是元宵节(the Lantern Festival)和中秋节(the Mid-Autumn Festival)，人们都挂起象征团圆意义的红灯笼，来营造一种喜庆的氛围。后来在中国灯笼就成了喜庆的象征。




  Lanterns, also known as colored-lantern making, originated from the Western Han Dynasty more than 1,800 years ago. In ancient times, the main function of the lanterns was lighting. Now, a lantern, which has combined various kinds of crafts such as painting, paper cutting, paper crafts, seam, has become a traditional art and craft for collection and appreciation. During festivals and celebrations, lanterns can be seen everywhere, especially on the Lantern Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, People tend to put up red lanterns which symbolize reunion to create a festive atmosphere. Later in China the lantern has became a symbol of festivity.