How to Make Revolving Chinese Lanterns
Spinning lanterns, or zouma deng, work because of air convection. The heat of the light inside causes shifts in air currents, which rise and push against flaps at the top or sides of the lantern. This push causes the shell of the lantern to spin. Other cultures have used this principle to create similar mechanisms, such as German rotating Christmas ornaments. Since the shell is decorated with either silhouette images or slits, it looks like a moving shadow play from the outside. The Chinese primarily use these lanterns around New Years. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Colorful paper
- Battery operated candle
- Scissors
- Glue
- Pencil
- Needle
- Thread
- Ruler
Instructions
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1
Fold a piece of colorful paper, 8 ½ inch by 11 inch, and run your finger along the seam to create a crease.
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2
Draw a line lengthwise across the top edge of the rectangular paper, about an inch down from the edge. Use a ruler.
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3
Mark a dot at every 1/2 inch along the line. Draw a series of straight lines from these dots down to the crease.
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4
Cut along each of the series of lines. Stop when you reach the dots at the top.
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5
Unfold the paper. Bend the paper into a rough cylinder with a ridge in the middle. Glue the borders together at the top and bottom.
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6
Pierce the top boarder with a needle and thread and tie a knot. Draw the thread across to the other side of the lamp and pierce the other end of the border. Tie a knot. You now have a loop of thread.
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Tie a length of thread to the middle of the loop and let the lantern dangle over a warm light source. The heat will cause air currents to catch the slits and turn the lantern.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use a real candle on this lantern. Instead, use a bulb or artificial candle. Real candles present too much of a fire hazard.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit chinese lanterns image by Paul O"Hearn from Fotolia.com
