What Are Chinese Lanterns?
Chinese lanterns are paper lanterns that can collapse when not in use and most often have Chinese calligraphy and artwork as decoration. These lanterns are often brightly colored and hung during celebrations of themed parties. Does this Spark an idea?
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Origins of Chinese Lanterns
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Chinese lanterns are thought to originate from the Chinese Lantern Festival. The Chinese Lantern Festival traditionally marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebration in China. This holiday takes place the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, during the full moon. This celebration is thought to have taken place since the Han Dynasty in 2000 B.C.
Legend of Lantern Festival
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Legend says the Jade Emperor in heaven was angered that a village had killed his favorite goose, so he promised to set that village on fire. A fairy learned of his plot and advised the villagers to light paper lanterns on a specific day at a specific time. When community members lit their lanterns, the Jade Emperor looked down from heaven and thought his revenge was in action because the town appeared to be on fire. To this day, the Chinese celebrate this victory during the Lantern Festival.
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Designs of Chinese Lanterns
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Chinese lanterns are most often red, yellow, green and other basic colors. Chinese script and characters are written vertically on the lantern. Some electric lanterns have silk tassels hanging from the bottom edge. Chinese lanterns are collapsible when not in use.
Ilumination of Chinese Lanterns
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Most Chinese lanterns today are electric for safety reasons. Some do not have any method of being lit but are simply for decorative purposes. Other Chinese lanterns can be lit with a candle but might be at risk of catching fire.
Where to Purchase Chinese Lanterns
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Many party-supply stores sell Chinese lanterns. For the most variety, Chinese-supply companies, many located in Chinatown, have a large selection of Chinese lanterns made in China.
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