Chinese lanterns or sky lanterns are believed to have been invented by Zhuge Liang, the legendary Chinese military strategist. According to popular lore, the lanterns were originally called Kongming and date to the 3rd century. They were used actually used in warfare and served as a type of balloon used for signaling.

 

While not as interesting a tale, the original name may also come from its resemblance to the traditional Chinese hat known as a Kongming.While paper lanterns known as Chinese lanterns or sky lanterns can be traced back to ancient China in relation to war, they later became associated with a number of Chinese festivals and carnivals. These candle lanterns became a part of popular Chinese festivals such as several Chinese mid autumn and lantern festivals. Pingsi in Taiwan still releases sky lanterns as a part of the annual festival.

 

Children in China often referred to them as flying lanterns.In many Asian countries these types of candle lanterns are used year round in a number of festivals, carnivals and celebrations. The outdoor candle lantern can be incorporated today in a number of celebrations to add a touch of class and style to such events.The original significance of these flying lanterns is a belief that they carry away worries and problems. There are stories of villagers sending these paper lanterns into the night sky to ward off evil spirits and to bring an end to periods of drought.Today these lanterns can be used for such things as birthday celebrations.

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Stephen Heather -
About the Author:

Stephen Heather, a wisher on many occasions with sky lanterns

sky lantern

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