What are Paper Lanterns?
Paper lanterns are beautiful decorative lanterns originally made of rice or silk paper, covering a light source. As a light source and as decoration, paper lanterns have been popular for 2000 years. They were first made in China during the Han Dynasty, which lasted from 200 BCE to roughly 200 CE. They also became widely popular in Japan under the reign of Prince Shotoku in the 7th century CE, who made tremendous strides toward incorporating Chinese culture and invention into Japanese life. Due to the thin covering used to make paper lanterns, when lit they are very beautiful, especially when they are colored. They may also carry designs, paintings or screens that show up brilliantly under a light source. The only color not traditionally used in making paper lanterns is white, the color of mourning in many Asian cultures. Though white paper lanterns glow luminously, they are not considered celebratory. Paper lanterns exhibit various shapes and sizes. A common design is the ball or globe
Paper Lanterns are usually covered with rice paper, traditional Chinese paper lanterns are used for illumination, decoration, holiday celebration, home decor, weddings, and much more. On the evening of the fifteenth day of the first month of the year according to the Chinese lunar calendar, all kind of lanterns are hung out showing late throughout nightfall. Over the generations, hanging lanterns have become a great tradition for children.
