Theme: Peace and Prosperity:2007 ushers in the Year of the Pig, a symbol of good luck, togetherness and fortune. Depicting a "Taiwan Boar," the Theme Lantern embodies these qualities as well as the local spirit of Taiwan. It represents the wish for a year of plenty and highlights the virtues of courtesy, sincerity and a natural spirit. The lantern also hopes to bring in a year of "Favorable Weather and Peace and Prosperity for All."
Design Concept:The Taiwan Boar depicted by the lantern stands atop a steel plate representation of Jhuluo Mountain, constructed with steep sides and strong simple lines that amply convey a sense of stability. The boar stands proudly on the mount gazing out across the Jianan Plain. It wears a collar on which dangles a model of Chunghwa Telecom's latest 3G cell phone, symbolizing Taiwan's advanced communications technology and the spirit of neighborliness across the distances of space. The tail of the boar is knotted into the shape of a gold ingot, symbolizing the wish for a year of prosperity and peace. On the back side of the boar are depicted piglets in stylized form. Illuminated at night, the lantern presents a joyous and festive feeling. It also weaves together traditional lantern art, culture and modern technology to capture the dynamic spirit of the Taiwan Lantern Festival.
Lantern Dimensions and Construction:The Theme Lantern is 18 meters high, including its four-meter octagonal base, and weighs about 20 tons. It is fashioned from perforated stainless steel plates.