Chinese Lantern Information
Different countries have unique cultural norms. In China, there is a strong sense of history and collective identity, which has led to a large number of festivals. One such festival, the Lantern Festival, takes place at Chinese New Year. Chinese lanterns are famous throughout the world thanks to their distinctive red and gold colors and unique 3-D shape.
Other People Are Reading
-
Purpose
-
Chinese lanterns developed as an alternative to candles because they sheltered the flame from the wind. Traditionally people put them in the entrance passage to their homes to provide light. Later, they used them like flashlights, providing portable lighting. Today Chinese lanterns are a form of artistic expression and having decorative, ornate lanterns in your home is a symbol of status.
Significance of Lanterns
-
In Chinese culture, Chinese lanterns symbolize the wish for a brighter future. Traditional lanterns are red with a gold motif, as red is a symbol of happiness and gold a sign of wealth. Lanterns are normally made out of paper.
-
Chinese Lantern Festival
-
The Lantern Festival takes place on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, commonly referred to as Chinese Valentine's Day. People light lanterns throughout the country to symbolize the unification of China under the Qin Shiuang dynasty. Since the Southern Song Dynasty, people have written riddles on the lanterns, with families and friends having to guess what the riddles mean during the course of the day. Traditionally, officials held a competition to find the best lantern design. They used the best designs in the Imperial Palace with others becoming public property and being copied onto lampshades throughout the country.
Modernization of Chinese Lanterns
-
To maintain popularity the Chinese lantern market is diversifying to give it a more modern feel. This includes lanterns made out of silk and wood and made-to-order lanterns designed to match home décor. Today, instead of candle lanterns, you can buy electric Chinese lanterns that contain special chandelier bulbs and that you can plug straight into the wall socket.
Making Chinese Lanterns
-
Throughout the Western world making Chinese lanterns is a popular children's craft activity. Templates for Chinese lanterns are available online or you can design your own. You can use plain or crepe paper and add glitter for greater effect.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit chinese lantern image by Mikhail Olykainen from Fotolia.com
Comments
-
very useful information given.good!
