Illuminative Paper Lanterns
Written by Cody Scholberg   
Tuesday, 03 November 2009 13:50
Ancient paper lanterns find their roots in China and Japan. But presently, many people like them regardless of regional barriers and use them to decorate many events.
by CodyScholberg


Ancient paper lanterns find their roots in China and Japan. But presently, many people like them regardless of regional barriers and use them to decorate many events.

The illuminative paper lanterns of China are typically positioned on the floor or strung up dangling and lit up. These paper lanterns are found in various forms. Some are round while some others are in circular and other shapes.Though conventionally paper lanterns are made of white paper, people now use many hues in making them.Chinese illuminative lanterns are made in roughly five different categories. They are labelled as "baby's bottom", "tomato light", "Buddha's gastronomy", "tomato lights" and "crystal magic".

Lanterns of the first category are typically used to decorate religious places on numerous occasions. Crystal magic lanterns live up to their name with bright illuminations and come in various different forms. The large, oval-shaped lanterns are the tomato lights. The colour used for this type is red while rolling paper lanterns remind us of the shape of large canisters.

Rolling paper lanterns are similar, with tall cylindrical forms. They are often used to decorate bars and restaurants. Finally, baby's bottom lanterns are used widely as Christmas lights. They are considerably smaller than the other types of decorative lantern. Although Japanese paper lanterns are usually round in shape, other designs can be seen as well. Although red is also used, white is the traditional colour.

Since Chinese and Japanese people use various colours for their lanterns, there is no observable difference between the lanterns produced. Unlike in bygone days, illuminative paper lanterns can nowadays be seen with beautiful wordings at many happy events. Chinese letters are just like kanji letters, so people who are unfamiliar with kanji do not notice the difference.

Regardless of the festive season or festival, decorative lamps are now very common. Paper lanterns are able to increase happiness or peace of mind according to the occasion or festival in which they are used.

About the Author:

Cody Scholberg, a lighting expert, writes about battery paper lanterns. Check out this post on using string paper lanterns !