Lanterns
Outdoor lanterns come in all shapes and sizes and are an unusual and inexpensive way to light up any outdoor events. Sky lanterns and candle lanterns are the two main types of outdoor lanterns and both make great additions to any kind of festivities. Sky lanterns in particular make child, pet and pocket-friendly alternatives to fireworks.
All kinds of Chinese lanterns, the traditional name for outdoor lanterns, are very simply made from a kind of paper lampshade housing and a candle that sits inside this housing. Sometimes these candles can be quite large, however domestic lanterns usually come with tea light candles. The paper housing for the candles is made from a special fire resistant paper to avoid the obvious potential for fire accidents.
Sky lanterns (also known as flying lanterns) are particularly popular for weddings and parties held in the summer. Lighting and releasing them into the sky can be a really special moment for you, your friends and family, as you watch them soar up to a mile high in the sky.
Candle lanterns work well in combination with sky lanterns to create soft ambient lighting after the sun has set, as well as providing safe and inexpensive lighting in their own right for any summer barbecue or party in the garden.
All of our outdoor lanterns are from Light a Lantern, who are experts in designing innovative and elegant lanterns. Each of our lanterns is made from biodegradable, non-flammable materials to ensure that you are absolutely safe when using them. However, in order to avoid unforeseen accidents, great care must be taken when enjoying your lanterns.
A potted history of outdoor lanterns
Outdoor lanterns, or Chinese lanterns, have been used for centuries in China, Japan and parts of Europe to celebrate special occasions. Candle lanterns are commonly found Chinese towns, where they can often be seen hung outside business premises to attract attention. In Japan, red paper lanterns are often used as advertisements outside bars and restaurants.
In China, paper lanterns are divided into five types:
1. The 'Baby's Bottom' is the smallest kind which is often used with Christmas lights.
2. The 'Rolling Paper' is the tall, cylindrical kind of lantern that is commonly associated with Chinese restaurants and bars.
3. The 'Tomato Light' (or 'Big Red') is the classic round-shaped mid-size lantern.
4. The 'Crystal Magic' covers variously-shaped geometric lamps that are constructed from a number of square and triangular panes.
5. 'Buddha's Gastronomy' described the large and extra large lanterns that are often used to decorate temples and festivals.
Flying Lanterns have often been used alongside fireworks during traditional Asian festivals celebrating the New Year. Sky lanterns were also regularly used as signalling devices hundreds of years ago. Countless sky lantern are released into the night sky as symbols of good luck, good fortune, knowledge and wisdom at various times of year.
In Europe, placing small candles or tea lights in Luminaria or Farolitos (small white paper bags) is a common tradition in Hispanic communities at Christmas time.
If you still cannot find what you are looking for, please remember you can always email or call to discuss your gift ideas with our Customer Services team.
