The Chinese Lantern Festival

In China, the Chinese Lantern is more than just a decoration or party item. Since 250 B.C. lanterns have silently spoken of births, deaths and approaching danger. For example, special red lanterns are used for weddings and white lanterns for funerals. And these days Chinese Lanterns are used commonly at ceremonies and festivals.

The basic Chinese lantern has remained unchanged in design, the frame that surrounds the candle is assembled from pliable bamboo and  thin or oiled paper covers the frame to create the flattering, soft glow.

In Asian culture, the placement and colour of the lanterns serve as a vital communication link. Red connotes vitality and energy at its maximal state so the Chinse would place a red lantern outside a doorway, or launch one off into the sky to tell of a birth or marriage.

A blue lantern represents declining energy or sickness so if there’s a blue lantern on their doorstep or released into the sky it indicates there is illness in the household. White signifies energy eliminated or death so a white sash draped across the top of the doorway, flanked by two white lanterns announces that the family is in mourning.

 To mark the end of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern festival is celebrated. Like all Chinese Festivals the Lantern festival follows and agricultural cycle – farmers begin preparing for spring planting, so the festival marks the return of light and spring. During this festival hundreds of Chinese Lanterns are released into the skies above – it certainly is a visual feast!

Wishlantern.co.uk is your leading supplier of wish Lanterns for weddings and celebrations. We can be reached on 0845 500 1215 or by emailing the team sales@wishlantern.co.uk