A Brief History of Chinese Lanterns

!±8± A Brief History of Chinese Lanterns

Chinese Lanterns have been around literally for thousands of years. Their use dates back as three hundred years BC, with the invention first being recorded as being used as well as other related experiments being documented around the same time. The invention is attributed to Kongming, who was a well known third century military advisor and strategist but it is likely someone else invented the Chinese lantern and it was later attributed to this popular figure rather than the actual inventor. Either way, these floating paper lanterns have many more uses today than they did when they were originally invented.

First Use of Chinese Lanterns: Military Use

As with many inventions that we see today, the first Chinese Lantern application was a military one. With the invention of the lantern, came an excellent way to signal troop formations during military manoeuvres. Whether doing so as a drill or in the middle of combat, floating lanterns were used to tell the troops what they needed to do. Combining the colour of the lantern with a boldly painted on symbol, each division would know what colour they were to look for and the symbol could indicate anything from attack to retreat to more complex commands such as moving to flank an opposing force. With the help of Chinese Lanterns, the Chinese armies of the day were well respected fighting forces that could easily take on any opposing army.

Civilian Uses

Once these lanterns became more popular, their use in mainstream Chinese culture became more and more common. Soon after they helped the military become successful on the battlefield, they began being used by the common person in a serene and peaceful way. The original way this began was with festivals. These were held both as scheduled events as well as celebrations of victory by the armies. The mass launch of Chinese lanterns during festivals was done frequently but the most common were New Years festivals. During these festivals, messages asking for a good year were written on the lantern as well as hopes, dreams and prayers for the future. In Thailand, these festivals and the Chinese lanterns took on a big part of the festival with incredibly large launches during festivals as well as launches frequently throughout the year on an individual level. They believed the floating lanterns were a direct conduit to the heavens as well as being a symbol of worries, problems and stress floating away.

Uses Today

Today, people around the globe use Chinese Lanterns in the traditional manner but also go far astray from their original uses. Traditional calendar events still get the same attention, especially in countries with large populations from Thailand or China but they are also a common site at other times and without the traditional reason for launch. For example, they have become incredibly popular at festivals around England, to the point where unfortunately they have been on the excluded items list. Chinese lanterns are also a common site on any given night in regions that cater to holiday crowds.

A Brief History of Chinese Lanterns

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Color the Sky on a Special Event With Chinese Sky Lanterns

!±8± Color the Sky on a Special Event With Chinese Sky Lanterns

Light is an important element that makes our existence certain. Apart from that, it is also one of the media that present a spectacular look to our surroundings. You might have a huge work of art which is highlighted by a battery operated light. Without the battery picture lights, the true classiness of the picture might not have been easy to portray. For ages, it is light that adds life to our houses and our special events. There are different varieties which do not come to the finish line once you enter a store. One such unique piece of lighting is the Chinese sky lantern.

Chinese sky lanterns are more commonly known as Kongming lantern. The origin of this lamp dates back to the third century. History tells us that the lantern had been used as a signaling balloon, or a spy blimp in the welfare. As for the name, it was coined on the remembrance of the hat that Kongming traditionally wore. Today, Chinese sky lanterns are used in different festivals and celebrations in China and in Thailand.

Apart from being used in their native land, these lanterns are also used in different parties and celebrations across the globe. Usually, people will like to use them as illuminating equipment in wedding parties. They are lit and then set free in the air. Many lanterns may be set at once, thus making the sky beautiful as they collectively float in the air. However, there are many potential hazards of these lanterns as well. The biggest dilemma is that of the place where they land after they die down. Because it contains flame, this type of lantern can lead to fires if it lands on a flammable ground. Once it begins floating, it can reach to increased heights. This might be the reason why these lanterns are not recommended in strong winds.

Once a Chinese sky lantern lands, another worry arises: when the lantern lands, it leaves a thin wire. This thin flame wire can be lethal to animals if they swallow it. However, the good news is that there are some eco friendly lamps too. Even though they were 100% biodegradable, the problem of the thin metal wire was still there. As this was addressed, it resulted in a solution and the lantern now has taken a modern face. Instead of the metal wire, lanterns are made with flame resistant wools which will not cause any harm even if they are ingested by animals.

Today, you will find great varieties of these lamps which can add charm to any celebration. There are different sizes available, with different prices suiting any kind of budget and requirements. The best part about them is that they are handmade. Therefore, they represent a work of art which is done with complete dedication. It is simple to make them, and you can even make one on your own. They float to fill up the sky to speak of their own beauty. Often used at weddings and formal events, these lamps will provide a magnificent view you might have never seen before.

Color the Sky on a Special Event With Chinese Sky Lanterns

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