Chinese lanterns perfectly embody the culture of China, discover through this article their history and their meaning, but also the different types of lanterns and their uses.
History of Chinese Lanterns
Chinese lanterns first appeared during the Han Dynasty, and more precisely during the Eastern Hans Dynasty (25-220). Historians believe that they were mainly used as lamps, long before the invention of electricity or the use of gas. To make them, several craft techniques were used, such as painting, paper cutting or sewing. The materials used varied and included bamboo, wood, wheat straw, or metal. However, the most common materials used were paper and silk.
Then, the monks began to light lanterns to worship Buddha, especially on the twelfth day of the first month of the lunar calendar. During the Eastern Hans Dynasty, Emperor Liu Zhuang, who was a Buddhist, ordered the Chinese to use lanterns to imitate the monks, and thus popularized the Chinese lanterns.
Later, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Chinese made and lit lanterns to show their gratitude for the happy life they led. These illuminations symbolized the strength, power and prosperity of China.
Finally, historians have also concluded that Chinese lanterns were used during wars, as a means of communication to transmit secret messages or to signal an intruder.
Ancient Types of Chinese Lanterns
In ancient times, the types of lanterns were quite varied. One of them was the royal lanterns, which, as the name suggests, were generally used for lighting purposes in castles and palaces. They are known to evoke a very delicate Chinese craftsmanship.
Lanterns were also used to cast shadows, usually for entertainment purposes. These lanterns had the same shape as the royal lanterns, except that they were covered with not one, but two layers of paper or silk.
Then, additional paper cuts were glued into the inner layer to create shadows when lit. The heat caused the paper to rotate, causing the shadows to spin and move across the walls.
Modern Chinese Lanterns
Nowadays, more and more types of lanterns are available. There is still a wide variety of lanterns in a traditional style: paper lanterns, candle lanterns, gauze lanterns, tissue paper lanterns, rice paper lanterns… But technology is sometimes also used, and the traditional candles are sometimes replaced by LED bulbs.
So we find electric lanterns, sometimes with a multicolored light, and even musical lanterns. The shape of Chinese lanterns has evolved and diversified. Thus, we find in the shape of animals, cartoon characters, signs of the Chinese zodiac or flowers such as the sacred lotus.
In addition, lanterns are evolving with the times, and we find more and more lanterns that are entirely biodegradable, with a vegetable wax burner, or other celestial lanterns designed to go down gently when the burner is extinguished.
Use of Chinese Lanterns
Generally speaking, Chinese people use lanterns in three ways: the most common is to hang the lantern. In remote areas, one can even find hanging lanterns adorning street lamps. These hanging lanterns, often decorated with tassels, are not always bright and are often hung in front of stalls as good luck charms, or decoratively in front of houses.
Flying lanterns, also called sky lanterns, are particularly popular during the Spring Festival, celebrated during the first full moon of the Chinese calendar. They are then released into the sky by thousands, propelled by hot air, like balloons. This Asian lantern is not only the apparat of China, and there is also a wide variety of Thai flying lanterns.
Finally, the
floating lanterns, equipped with waterproof burners, are especially used during the Dragon Boat Festival, where they are placed on rivers and lakes during the celebrations. Each one creates a light reflection on the water, for a totally fairy-like atmosphere.
Very festive, the Chinese lantern is generally used during celebrations and holidays. Chinese families like to light them during the Chinese New Year or any other celebration where everyone goes for a lantern release (Discover the festivals and celebrations in China).
The Chinese New Year ends on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month with the Spring Festival, also called the Lantern Festival. On this day, thousands of paper lanterns are released all over the country for a very romantic and poetic air show. Families light up hundreds of lanterns, often with calligraphy riddles for the children to solve.
If they succeed, they are rewarded with small gifts or sweets. It is also customary for uncles to buy lanterns for their nephews, if they are under twelve, before the festival. This shows that they wish their nephew the best, especially that they are in excellent health for the coming year.
In China, apart from national celebrations, lanterns are also common at weddings, birth ceremonies, or any other event to which one wishes to bring good fortune. It is then customary to hang lanterns in front of one’s house or in the wedding hall, as decorations and good luck charms.
In the West, the Asian lanterns have conquered by their festive and decorative side. The celestial lantern, in particular, is very popular for a wedding or a birthday party and will impress the guests. Lanterns garlands or lights, then in the shape of balls more round than traditional lanterns, are also very common in Western homes.
Meaning of Chinese Lanterns
Generally speaking, Chinese lanterns symbolize vitality, social status, and especially good fortune. They are found in a multitude of colors. Red lanterns are the most popular, because in China, the color red is a sign of good luck and happiness. In Chinese culture, red is also a symbol of vitality and energy.
On the other hand, using a blue lantern means that a family member is sick, because in Chinese culture, blue is a symbol of illness and low energy. White lanterns, on the other hand, represent death and mourning.
A white lantern at the entrance of a house will show that a death has occurred in the family, and announce a mourning. Finally, purple will tend to bring bad luck, and is a rather rare lantern color. The material is not important, whether you use a paper or silk lantern depends on your taste.
