How to Make a Traditional Chinese Lantern

Paper lanterns represent the full moon during the Yuan Xiao Festival.

The appreciation of beautiful lanterns during the Chinese New Year represents harmony and unity. China's Yuan Xiao or Lantern Festival occurs on the 15th day of the first lunar month, when the first full moon of the new year appears. Traditionally, Chinese lanterns are red and gold, but you can choose any color scheme you like to make paper lanterns in the Chinese tradition.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper or colored paper
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Craft glue or tape
• Embellishments such as glitter or sequins

Instructions

1. Fold one piece of colored or construction paper in half lengthwise, creating a long rectangle. You can use standard-size paper or a larger than average size, if you like.

2. Draw a line at least 1 inch from the edge of the paper on the side that is not folded. This border will be a guide where you will stop cutting.

3. 

   Use a pencil and ruler to draw guide lines for cutting.

   Draw 10 to 12 parallel lines, 1 inch apart from one another, from the folded edge to the border you drew.

4. Cut along the parallel lines with scissors, making sure you don't cut beyond the border.

5. Unfold the paper and fold it inside-out. This will place the pencil lines inside the lantern so they are not visible on the outside.

6. Bend the paper around so that the short sides of the paper touch. Glue or tape the ends together.

7. Cut a strip 1 inch wide and about 8 inches long from a separate sheet of paper to make a handle. Glue or tape the ends of the strip across the top end of your lantern.

8. Decorate the lantern with glitter or sequins if you choose.

9. Use curling ribbon or yarn to hang your lantern.

References

• Kaboose: Chinese Paper Lanterns
• Enchanted Learning: Chinese Lantern
• ChinaVoc: Lantern Festival