About Japanese Lanterns

The color or lanterns holds significance--e.g., red symbolizes power and passion.

Japanese lanterns decorative light fixtures that are used indoors and outdoors. Like candles in Western culture, the style, placement and lighting of lanterns can have particular significance to religious and social groups. Consider the history behind these works of art before hanging them casually at your next barbecue.

History

The origins of Japanese lanterns is unknown. Records from the sixth century suggest that the concept of stone lanterns was brought to Japan from China through the channels of communication opened by a shared belief in Buddhism. Lamps were used practically as light sources and decorations. Now, Japanese lanterns are commercially produced as decorations for gardens and walkways. However, these pieces of art still play a significant part in many cultural celebrations.

Types of Lanterns

There are many types of lanterns used in Japan. The primary forms are the andon, chochin and toro. Andon lanterns are made by stretching paper or silk over a rigid frame; these structures may be free-standing or hung from a rope. Variants of the andon include the bonbori and kakeandon. The chochin is a more complex lantern that has a collapsible, molded frame. Usually, this frame is made from coils of wood or bamboo. The final style, toro, is a generic group including any lamp made of a heavy material: stone, brass, bronze, iron. Toro lanterns were erected outdoors to illuminate the pathways to pagodas, shrines and temples.

Bon

The Obon festival, or Bon, is an annual Buddhist celebration in which lanterns are lit in remembrance of the deceased. Lit lanterns are strung overhead, radiating in a symmetrical pattern from a central tower, the yagura, from which a small band and master of ceremony guide the festivities. Worshipers gather around the yagura and join in a group dance, Bon Odori, to greet the spirits of the deceased. At the end of the Bon, paper lanterns are set afloat in a nearby body of water as offerings to the departing spirits. This practice is called toro nagashi, which literally means "lantern offerings on the water."

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Although the Japanese follow the Gregorian calendar and celebrate New Year on Jan. 1, Chinese immigrants living in metropolitan areas, such as Nagasaki, also honor the coming of the lunisolar New Year in February. This event is full of paper lanterns and lighted paper sculptures. For a two-week period, residents hang lanterns in the streets outside of their homes and businesses.

References

• The Huntington Library: Japanese Stone Lanterns
• "Japane: Between Myth and Reality"; Khoon Choy Lee; 1995
• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation: Sakura Park Highlights
• The Buddhist Society: Spread of Buddhism