Everything You Wanted To Know About Chinese Lanterns

Everything You Wanted To Know About Chinese Lanterns

Chinese lanterns have significantly increased in popularity in the West over the past few years. The following guide will look into how they originated, what they symbolise and how they are used. In short, read on to learn the key facts about these beautiful creations.

Origin of Chinese Lanterns

The Chinese lantern was a natural evolution from the simple open flame as a source of lighting - it had high functional value in that it protected the flame inside from being blown out in windy weather, plus it also provided a more even form of illumination than an uncovered flame. While these early forms of Chinese lanterns were initially created for use in the home and as entrance-way illumination, historical experts believe they were quickly put to use as the world's first portable flashlight.

The experts also believe that in fact the concept of street lighting itself, which later emerged in Europe, originated from European contact with Imperial China, where street lighting had for some time existed.

Uses of Chinese Lanterns

In addition to their functional usefulness as a light source, Chinese lanterns then progressed to becoming an artistic and symbolic expression, as well as an ornamental status symbol. Given the long and much respected Chinese tradition for embellishment, they soon became as lovely in design as they were practical.

Ancient Chinese society was extremely complex, subtle and multi-layered, especially after the introduction of Confucianism. Lantern designers competed among themselves to produce lamp shades of unforgettable beauty. The winners would have the honour of working for the Emperor himself.

Grand celebrations where considered highly important in ancient China and the artistic expression of the individual was considered as something to be harnessed for the common good. One of the main celebrations, still held today, is the Lantern Festival, or in Western terms Little New Year - this commemorates the culmination of the extended Chinese New Year festival.

In contemporary times, Chinese lanterns continue to be used in popular festivals - apart from the Lantern Festival, they are particularly in demand for Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. During these events, the streets in major cities and small towns alike are decorated with red lanterns, which symbolise good fortune and prosperity. The most spectacular displays during these times include Nanjing, Beijing and Hong Kong. Artists still compete with each other for the most impressive lanterns and the winning designs are then copied by every other lamp-shade artisan.

Chinese lanterns are also increasingly used for Western celebrations such as weddings to add attractive appeal to a special occasion.

Conclusion

While Chinese lanterns are of course no longer needed for their functional purpose as a light source, they are as popular as ever in our time for being a symbol of wistful beauty and good luck. These days you can buy them in a range of colours and sizes to suit your preferences.

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