Review
The Chinese lantern has long been a symbol of pride for its nation. The lanterns represent
both the ingenuity of China and the rich artistic talents of its people.
Chinese lanterns where first used in the second century BC as a military communication
device.
Zhuge Liang, a military strategist, created the first lantern, which he made out of
oiled rice paper fitted across a bamboo frame. Because of the candle within the lantern,
which released hot air, it could float up into the air. This was helpful when signaling to
other members of the military who were too far away to be reached by conventional
methods. These lanterns became known as sky candles, but are more commonly know
today as simply, flying lanterns.
The Chinese lantern is the first known source of illumination after the candle. These
lanterns soon evolved from military use to be used in the home and to light entryways.
Having lanterns to light your home and doorstep, much like a porch light, became a
symbol of status for the Chinese.
In addition to being one of the oldest forms of illumination, the lantern was also the first
portable source of light. This fact earns the Chinese lantern the achievement of being the
first flashlight! Lanterns have also been said to be the first known method of street
lighting. This practice was later adopted by the Europeans.
Chinese lanterns soon became very standard in all festivals and celebrations. Though the
lanterns started out very plain in design and color, they soon became decorative items to
be painted elaborately in all ranges of colors, and embellishments. Emperors and
members of high society would often employ the best Chinese artists to paint their paper
lanterns in exquisite detail and beauty for everyone to see.
The artisans hired by the empire would often decorate lanterns with images of historical figures, deities,
calligraphic characters, landscapes, and other conceptual or narrative imaging. This
empowered the Chinese lantern to become a reflection of the prevailing trends of the
country throughout time.
In modern times the Chinese lantern is used for a variety of festivals, but most especially
in the Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn, and Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival, also
called Yuanxiao Jie, or the Little New Year, is especially important to the history of the
Chinese lantern.
This festival is a celebration of the culmination of the Chinese New
Year Festival. In the Lantern Festival contestants of ancient China would compete for the
award of having created the most impressive lantern. The Lantern Festival incorporates
the belief that there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to
appreciate. Some lanterns even contain puzzles which festival attendees may try to solve.
The Lantern Festival is a joyous occasion meant to bring together families in a
harmonious atmosphere.
Though the invention of modern electricity has replaced lanterns as the sole source of
lighting, Chinese lanterns are still widely used today in many different countries and for
many different purposes. They are still used as interior decoration and for many
celebrations such as weddings, birthday, holidays, and parties.
The design of the lantern has also evolved. Though lanterns that use candles are still used
today, a mass amount of Chinese lanterns are now using electric light bulbs within the
lantern for illumination instead of flame. There are also battery powered lanterns
available.
Just like in ancient times Chinese lanterns are still being used for artistic expression,
featuring many new designs that are now digitally printed on the fabric or paper. Of
course there are still lanterns being hand painted as well. Modern lantern designs still
include political figures, deities, and of course celebrities! You can now get lanterns with
the images of Barack Obama, Buddha, and of course Justin Beiber on them. That’s not to
say that the lantern designing tradition has been cheapened in any way, just broadened in
a way that fits modern society.
There are also many elaborate paintings that can now be digitally printed on Chinese
lanterns as well. Monet’s Water Lilies, Van Gough’s Starry Night, and China’s own Xu
Beihong’s exquisite wildlife paintings have all been transferred to lantern designs.
The evolution of the Chinese lantern has been done in minute changes such as light
source, and choice of design, but the overall structure of the lanterns has seen little
change in the many centuries since its invention.
In this way the Chinese lantern has stood the test of time, being both ancient and modern in its view all at the same time. Through its many uses and designs it can be assured that even though the lantern is a tool of old, it will be around for many more years to come!
Chinese Lanterns,
