How to Make a Chinese Lantern

Chinese lanterns are a common decoration seen while traveling through China; however, they are most often seen during the Chinese Lantern Festival which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. On this day, people carry bright lanterns as they walk in parades and celebrate the close of Chinese New Year activities. While lanterns can be made of silk and wood, you can make simple lanterns at home using paper.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Red construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• String

1. Cut out a rectangular piece of paper. The paper should measure 9 inches high by 12 inches long. Fold your paper in half lengthwise. You'll be left with a long thin rectangle.

2. Place the rectangle down on a table with the folded end closest to you. Use a ruler to draw a horizontal line 1 inch below the top of the rectangle.

3. Start 1 inch from the end of your rectangle and then use your scissors to cut a straight line up from the fold to the horizontal line. Move over 1 inch and cut another straight line up from the fold to the horizontal line. Repeat this process until you have 1 inch remaining at the other end of the rectangle.

4. Unfold your rectangle and then tape the long edges together. Notice the shape of a lantern.

5. Cut a 6 inch long strip of paper that is about 1 inch wide. Glue the strip of paper to the top of the lantern. This is your handle.

6. Repeat this process with different colored paper. Make several lanterns this way and then run your string through the handles to make a string of lanterns than can be hung in your room.

Tips & Warnings

• Decorate your lantern to make it more interesting.
• Use glue to attach string to the bottom of your lantern for extra decoration.
• Don't put candles in these lanterns.