Floating Sky Lanterns
Lighted candles and rice paper bags are used to make paper lanterns. We know them as sky lanterns or sky candles, rising to the sky and floating until the candle hidden inside stops burning; subsequently, it will start drifting towards the earth. There are numerous shapes that can be chosen for paper lanterns, but sky lanterns must have a specific shape, supporting the drift of the lantern in the air.
A diverse array colours is available when it comes to sky lanterns, the only limitations regarding the form of these objects. As you probably know, there are a lot of people who enjoy adding their own symbols or heartfelt messages to the rice paper, knowing that their wishes will drift in the air for a period of time. It is a special moment, particularly if you stop for a minute and think about putting your own wishes on the rice paper and keeping your fingers crossed.
With a festival of their own dedicated to them and numerous celebrations in which they are used, it is no wonder that sky lanterns are so popular. The 15th day of the first month of the lunar year marks the celebration of the Chinese Lantern Festival, in conjunction with the full moon. The origins of the festival date back several thousand years, the festivities held for the Chinese New Year culminating with this festival. The capital of Taiwan, Taipei, also hosts a similar festival. As a sign of good luck and letting go of all worries, sky lanterns and fireworks appear together in the sky.
Paying close attention is a golden rule when it comes to releasing sky lanterns, given the candles burning inside and the occurrence of powerful air currents. Caution reduces the risk of fire, particularly if we bear in mind the risk of sky lanterns touching anything flammable. That does sound complicated, but we are talking about a 2000-year old tradition, so precaution goes without saying.
Sky lanterns slowly floating in the air make a perfect image, lighting up the night sky. All important events can benefit from the use of sky lanterns, be they simple outings or Christmas celebrations. Biodegradable and guaranteed not to pollute the environment, sky lanterns are definitely the right decorative objects to use.
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 rice paper lanterns !
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