Making a Paper Lantern for School

Use a string of paper lanterns for outdoor decorating.

Paper lanterns have been used throughout the history of China as a cultural symbol representing joy, hope, rejuvenation and the return of spring. The ceremonial use of lanterns in Chinese culture focuses on landmarks, such as burials and weddings, in people's lives. Paper lanterns are also used in many Japanese ceremonies throughout the year. Some of these Japanese paper lantern festivals are held to honor Buddha, while others are meant to dispel evil or reflect on the memories of lost ancestors. Making paper lanterns in school classrooms can be used to teach students about ceremonies in other cultures.

Things You'll Need

• Colored construction paper or card stock
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions

1. Fold a rectangular piece of construction paper or card stock in half lengthwise.

2. Cut the paper, starting at the fold, towards the open edges of the paper. Do not cut all the way across the folded paper. Start cutting 2/3 inch away from the left edge of the paper and make a new cut every 2/3 inch until you reach a position 2/3 inch away from the right edge of the paper.

3. Unfold the paper.

4. Wrap the paper around in a cylinder bringing the right edge of the paper to meet the left edge. Ensure that the crease created by your fold is facing outward.

5. Glue the left edge of the paper to the right edge of the paper.

6. Cut a 6-inch-long strip of paper that is 1/2 inch in width.

7. Glue one end of the strip of paper to the top edge of the paper lantern cylinder.

8. Glue the second end of the strip of paper to the top edge of the paper lantern cylinder directly across from the first end of the strip of paper.

References

• Chinese Historical Society of Southern California: Chinese Lanterns
• Enchanted Learning Kinder Crafts: Chinese Lantern