What are Paper Lanterns?

Take paper, a lighting source, and an expander of some kind: you have got yourself a paper lantern. Since they are a lantern, they are lit from a bulb or a flame. They have been used by the Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans for many years for a variety of purposes, whether it is just a source of light for seeing or for decorations in parades. There are five main categories of paper lanterns, and they are based off of Chinese culture, since the Chinese were the ones who paved the way for paper lanterns in this world. In Spain, during Christmas, one can see white paper bags with candles in them scattered around the streets.

Today, paper lanterns are made in many different shapes and sizes, and they are made for many different uses. A bag with a candle is the simplest kind of paper lantern you can find. You will see this kind on driveways and porches during Halloween, as it can provide a spooky feel. When a white bag is used, however, it provides a peaceful feel, which is why the Spanish use it during Christmas.

Electrically-lit paper lanterns are made with a cord and bulb and socket. It has other names, such as “hanging paper lantern,” or simply, “hanging lantern.” The cords usually come in sizes of ten or fifteen feet, but they are available in other sizes as well. The maximum wattage bulb allowed on most of these lanterns is sixty, but there are higher ones as well. Some even go up to many hundred watts; these are usually found in film production for the brightest paper lanterns, nicknamed “Chinaballs.”

The next type of paper lantern is the flame-lit lantern. These are best used outside in places like the garden or backyard. They provide a peaceful, dim light, which goes great during a nighttime dinner in a quiet environment. These lanterns are best put out of the way due to their inherent risk of starting a fire; they are easily knocked over, which will cause the flame to ignite the paper. If there are children around, put the lanterns up high, off of the ground. Flame-lit lanterns were around long before electrically-lit lanterns were; thus, they are the traditional type of paper lantern.

Paper lanterns are not always white, as they often come with designs on them. The most common designs are Oriental, and these are usually Chinese characters, Japanese kanji, or Korean hanja. Sometimes, there are other traditional paintings such as cherry blossom branches or bamboo. Despite this prevalence, there are many modern or Western paper lanterns available today. Children even create their own, custom-decorated paper lanterns in primary or elementary schools for projects.

Read more about paper lanterns and paper lantern safety.