Chinese Paper Lanterns

Chinese paper lanterns go as far back as 230 BC. They are a symbol of long life and good luck. Today they make charming decorations for oriental parties, home decor and the New Year decorations.

You can even see Chinese paper lanterns in places like China Town lighting up businesses and standing as an invitation to enter their shops.

There are a wide variety of paper lanterns that have been available from times bygone. Most of the time there were two types, the ones which were hung outside to cast a dim light onto gardens or the entrances of businesses and the ones which rest on the ground, which were more popular inside homes, giving the living area a soft glow.

The Chinese classified their lanterns into five categories. One is the "baby's bottom". It is more in fitting with the modern decorations and even goes well with Christmas lights. The tall lantern which is often hung outside restaurants and bars is called the "rolling paper lantern". You must have seen the classic round red mid-sized lantern almost everywhere. It used to be associated with brothels and now can be seen in large quantities in red light districts. These are called "big red ", and can otherwise be known as "tomato lights". The lanterns of various shapes consisting of triangular or square panes which resemble a crystal are called the "crystal magic lantern". The large lanterns which are most commonly hung outside temples or made for festivals as they give out a large amount of light are called the "Buddha's gastronomy".

Some of these paper lanterns take a long time to build and are complex in style, built with bamboo or metal frames and covered with thick paper which does not fade in the wind or rain.

The more simple paper lanterns are very easy to make and as mentioned earlier prove to be a useful and stylish decoration even for your home. If you want to give an oriental touch to your living space this would be the ideal thing to consider. You could even make it yourself using whatever decorations you prefer.

Chinese paper lanterns will give a certain ambience to your living space, not to mention the symbolic association of long life and good luck. The most common words found on such lanterns are peace, love and strength. Tan colours are mainly used in making these lanterns although nowadays more bold colours are also used for decorative purposes.

Cody Scholberg, a lighting expert, writes about paper lanterns. Check out this post on using asian paper lanterns to repel mosquitoes!