Image by eurodrifter via Flickr
To celebrate the longest day and shortest night of the year, on June 21, 2011 approximately 11,000 paper lanterns were released into Poland’s skyline according to an article by Laura Hibbard of the Huffington Post titled “Polish Residents Release 11,000 Floating Lanterns.”
According to http://chinese-paper-lanterns.com, paper lanterns were originally released to bring good luck and prosperity. It was believed if wishes were written on the lanterns, they would rise up into the sky and eventually come true.
With July 4 right around the corner, paper lanterns can be a fun addition to any Fourth of July party. It is an activity that almost everyone can participate in and paper lanterns can be relatively inexpensive.
Paper lanterns can be a great alternative to fireworks. According to http://chinese-paper-lanterns.com, the lanterns can stay lit for nearly 20 minutes or so, which is much longer than a firework or sparkler. Although paper lanterns looks great when many are set off at one time, the lanterns still look great if there is just a few. (Be careful though and maybe warn your neighbors as some people become suspicious of one or two lights moving slowly through the sky. It could be mistaken for a UFO!).
My friends and I bought some paper lanterns at our local fireworks store and the lanterns only cost about $5 each. They came in many different colors and were even biodegradable. According to http://chinese-paper-lantern’s.com, the lanterns are approximately 48 inches tall and the frame is made from a light bamboo frame that is easily replenished. The prices will vary depending on what kind of paper lanterns you wish to purchase.
Paper lanterns can be used for many occasions including:
- Weddings
- Holidays
- Traditions
The lanterns can be used many different ways, particularly for:
- Decoration
- Lighting
Do you think it would be a beautiful sight if Americans could organize and put on a show with paper lanterns to celebrate Independence Day as Poland did to celebrate the Summer Solstice?
Here is a YouTube video showing the release of the paper lanterns in Poland. It is quite a sight.
