An Eye-Catching Decoration

July 6th, 2010 by admin

If you are looking for an eye-catching decoration for your party or festival, consider sky lanterns.   These delicate floating lights are essentially miniature hot air balloons made of bamboo and paper or linen.    The decorative paper or linen covering is stretched over the lightweight bamboo frame.     A small candle or other interior flame heats the air, causing hot air to rise into the covering.   The entire structure becomes buoyant, and eventually floats skyward.   Depending on construction, they can float high enough to be seen for miles, or simply hover near the party guests.     When the flame goes out, the sky lantern gracefully settles back to the ground.

Sky lanterns originated in ancient China as a form of military signaling.   They eventually became children’s toys, and soon became a mainstay of Asian festivals and carnivals.   The ceremonial lighting and releasing of one or more lanterns is said to bring good luck or grant wishes to the participants in some cultures.

Sky lanterns, also known as wedding lanterns or Chinese lanterns, are remarkably inexpensive and incredibly versatile.  The lantern’s covering can be any shape, color or combination of colors.   They can hold flags or symbols such as sports team mascots or company logos.  Even if your gathering does not have an Asian theme, the lanterns can be easily incorporated into any wedding, birthday party, festival, or celebration.   The release of a lantern can be a part of the event, or the lanterns can serve as merely a decoration or conversation piece.   Having multiple lanterns airborne at once can create a surreal, otherworldly experience, especially at night.    Sky lanterns have even been used in professional fireworks displays.     

There are some cautions that should be followed when using lanterns.   They should be launched only in open spaces, not near buildings or other structures.  These decorations can contain open flames and should not be used near flammable materials.    They should also be avoided near power lines, antennas,  or airports.   Sky lanterns are not toys, and children should be supervised closely when in use.     Also, these lanterns do eventually return to earth, so buying items that contain all-biodegradable materials can minimize their impact on the environment where they land.



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