Floating Paper Lanterns: Sky Lanterns
The making of a paper lantern consists of taking rice paper, folding it into a bag and putting a candle inside for light. These sky paper lanterns, also named ‘candles of the sky’, make the sky a brighter place, floating in the air while the candle burns; as soon as the candle finishes burning, you will see the lantern floating back down. Unlike regular paper lanterns, which can take the most incredible forms, sky lanterns are balloon-shaped, necessary in order for them to fly.
Although this means you will have to stick with the existing form, the rice paper used for the making of these sky lanterns can come in many wonderful colours; sky lanterns are amazing flying objects, often bearing messages and intimate thoughts, carrying them up there where they belong. You too can hope that the wishes written on that rice paper will turn out exactly as you want, the sky candles taking them high above the clouds.
Sky lanterns are celebrated during several days of festivities, and are also appreciated as decorations at important gatherings. The festivities dedicated to sky lanterns are known as the Chinese Lantern Festival, taking place at the full moon, on a specific date. Celebrated for the first time over 2000 years ago, this festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. The northern part of Taiwan, Taipei included, also has a festival to celebrate sky lanterns. Sky lanterns drift in the air and fireworks rent the sky, symbolizing the desire to escape all concerns and be blessed with good fortune.
Even a simple draft can add to the risk of fire due to the lit candle on the inside, requiring you to be extra careful. There is a chance that things will catch on fire, but this risk can be reduced if you take the necessary precautions. Pay attention and you will contribute to the continuance of this 2000-year old tradition.
The release of several sky lanterns at a time creates a lovely atmosphere as they fill the night sky. Any special occasion – be it a dinner party, a holiday celebration, a wedding, the birth of Jesus or a birthday – deserves to be lit up with sky lanterns. These represent an environmentally friendly alternative, made solely out of fire and using 100% natural fuel in the form of candles.
Treat yourself to something special and watch the sky lanterns as they magically drift into the air.
Cody Scholberg, a lighting expert, writes about paper lanterns. Check out this post on using chinese paper lanterns !
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