Why are lanterns important in china

Floating lanterns can come in many different shapes, but most commonly they are shaped and colored like lotus flower of peach fruit. Click here to see some awesome Chinese Lanterns. It is important to differentiate between the traditional Chinese lanterns with the sky lanterns, although they might incorporate similar designs and color schemes.

A sky lantern—or flying lantern— is a subtype of the Chinese lanterns, but not all Chinese lanterns can fly. It is well believed that the primitive sky lanterns were first utilized in 3rd century BC in China for military usage— to signal between the troops—, by the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang. Another legend said that the name KongMing lanterns originated from the fact that they look similar to the hat which Zhuge Liang is often represented in paintings.

People release sky lanterns because they believe it will bring them good luck, with the main philosophy that they are releasing their problems, bad luck, and worries as they set the lanterns flying. The tradition to release sky lanterns during festivals are not only popular in China, but also throughout Asia. In Japan, for example, there is a similar festival called Toro Nagashi. In Taiwan, more specifically in the village of PingXi cnn.

A Chinese sky lantern is commonly made from oiled rice paper and bamboo frame, with a small candle—or recently, flammable wax— as the flaming source of hot air. Sky lanterns achieved flight due to its alight flame to generate hot-air, and it may land when the flame is not fully extinguished. When, for example, the sky lantern is tilted due to wind pressure or impact , the paper material might also catch fire in flight.

In this case, the flame source may remain alight when it hits the ground. This phenomenon can cause various fire hazards, while the wireframe material can also endanger animals that might swallow it by accident. As a result of these concerns, sky lanterns are banned in some locations, including in Sanya, China, where sky lanterns are banned because they might pose a danger to aircraft and airspace navigation. The state of Washington has also banned sky lanterns statewide. The Lantern Festival remains the best time to experience and view Chinese lanterns, normally between February 5th and March 7th.

Image by Kate Lukianova from Pixabay. Image by husonghua from Pixabay. Paper lanterns, originating from Eastern Han Dynasty , mainly were used as lamps in ancient China. A variety of crafts were used in their making such as Chinese paintings, paper-cutting, and pricking and seaming and many kinds of materials such as bamboo, wood, wheat-straw and metal were used in their manufacture.

Paper and silk were the major materials. Originally, monks used lanterns on the twelfth day of the first lunar month in their worship of the Buddha.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Emperor Liu Zhuang was a Buddhist and he ordered the inhabitants of the imperial palace and citizens to light lanterns to worship the Buddha just as the monks did. More often than not, the Tomato Light is red, a color which symbolizes prosperity in Chinese culture.

The second form is called Crystal Magic. This type can be made in any geometric form, from square to hexagonal, and everything in between.

Crystal Magic lanterns are typically ornately decorated, reminding viewers of one of their original purposes as palace lanterns. So the next time you see a big red lantern hanging outside your local Chinese restaurant, remember its humble origins and think about the Buddha, who inspired it all. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK".

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