Paper lantern

Paper lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, as well as various methods of construction. In their simplest form, they are simply a paper bag with a candle placed inside, although more complicated lanterns consist of a collapsible bamboo or metal frame of hoops covered with tough paper.

In Asian culture

Lantern festival at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taiwan

Often associated with festivals, paper lanterns are common in China and Japan, and similarly, in Chinatowns, where they are often hung outside of businesses to attract attention. In Japan the traditional styles include bonbori and chōchin and there is a special style of lettering called chōchin moji used to write on them.

Airborne paper lanterns are called sky lanterns, and are often released into the night sky for aesthetic effect at lantern festivals.

In China, paper lanterns can be classified into 5 distinct classes; the Baby's Bottom is the miniature class, often used in modern times with Christmas lights. The second class is the Rolling Paper, the tall, cylindrical lanterns often associated with restaurants and bars. The third class is the Tomato Light also known as Big Red; the classic round mid-size lantern. The fourth class is the Crystal Magic; the variously-shaped geometric lamps constructed of many square and triangular panes. The last is known as Buddha's Gastronomy; the large and extra large lanterns used to decorate temples and for show at festivals.^{[citation needed]}

See also: Traditional lighting equipment of Japan

In Western culture

Luminarias during Christmas in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Children with paper lanterns on St. Martin's Day in the Netherlands

Placing candles or tea lights in a succession of small paper bags (known as luminarias or farolitos) is a common tradition in Hispanic communities during Christmas.

During the Festa della Rificolona it:Festa della Rificolona held in Florence, Italy, children carry colorful paper lanterns through the streets of the city.

See also

• Sky lantern

In photography

High-wattage paper lanterns are commonly used in lighting for motion picture productions. Commonly referred to as "China balls", they provide soft, edgeless light to a scene.^[1]

References

1. ^ Ballinger, Alexander (2004). New Cinematographers. Laurence King Publishing. p. 186. ISBN 1856693341.