“Blessed be the man that spares these stones, / And cursed be he that moves my bones.” -Shakespeare’s Grave

Of all the authors in the history of English literature, few can hope to have a legacy as lasting as that of William Shakespeare. Though many details of Shakespeare’s personal life are hazy, it is thought that he was born in late April during the year 1564 in his father’s house in the small English village of Stratford-upon-Avon. He married his wife Anne Hathaway at the age of 18 before relocating to London to pursue a career as an actor and dramatist.

During the course of his life, Shakespeare drafted what have become some of the most famous works in the English language. Many of his poems and plays, including Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice and Hamlet, are still considered foundational parts of modern education—and his poetry are still considered foundational parts of modern education and continue to see new interpretations onstage, in literature and in pop culture. Shakespeare is also believed to have contributed nearly 2,000 words to the English language.

Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616 in Stratford-upon-Avon where he is buried in Trinity Church alongside his wife and eldest daughter, Susanna. To this day, the town continues to be a cultural center for Shakespearian history and the site of a full day of events in late April of each year.

For more photos from the sites of William’s Shakespeare life, explore the following location pages:

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon
• The Globe Theater (reconstructed), London
• Shakespeare’s Grave at Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon

Want to see more photos from lantern festivals throughout Asia? Browse the #lanternfestival hashtag, and the Fulfillment Amphitheatre (圓滿戶外劇場), Taipei Lantern Festival (台北燈節) and Minato Park (湊公園) location pages.

On the 15th day of the lunar new year, countries throughout Asia mark the end of lunar new year festivities by lighting elaborate paper lanterns. The Lantern Festival is variously known as Shangyuan or Yuanxiao (China), Chap Goh Meh (Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore), Tết Thượng Nguyên (Vietnam) and Koshōgatsu (Japan).

These festivals mark the first full moon of the lunar new year, and while their exact origin is unknown, releasing lanterns typically symbolizes letting go of the past and embracing the new year. The day also serves to build community and goodwill within and between families.