Lantern Styles From Around The World

Chinese lanterns - traditional styles;

Baby's bottom – miniature style used with Christmas lights as ornaments
Rolling paper – tall and cylindrical in shape, mainly used in restaurants
Tomato light – classic bulbous shape
Crystal magic – various shapes constructed of numerous square or triangle panels
Buddhas Gastronomy – large, extra wide ceremony and festival lanterns

Japanese lanterns - traditional styles;

Andon – consists of paper stretched over a bamboo frame, often hand held but also used as hanging lanterns Bonbori – a small, portable Andon lantern
Chochin – has a frame of split bamboo allowing the Japanese lantern to be folded up
Toro – a traditional Japanese lantern made of stone, bronze, iron or wood used to illuminate the grounds of Buddhist temples

Red sky lanterns;

Once associated with brothels, and therefore this is detailed in the term ‘red light district’. They would have been hung as advertisements out on the streets indicating the entrance to the bar or restaurant.

Red sky lanterns are by far the most traditional and popular flying lanterns in China as red is the colour of happiness and prosperity, it was also the colour indicative of the country itself during the imperial times.

European culture;

Flying lanterns are particularly popular amongst Hispanic communities over the Christmas and New Year periods. Flying or floating lanterns are increasingly being used on Bonfire Night, at weddings, parties and other celebrations to create the WOW factor and as an alternative to traditional fireworks.

Mexico and America;

Luminarias – throughout Mexico, New Mexico, and Arizona people fill paper sky lanterns with sand and place a candle inside, referred to as a Luminarias. These lanterns are then used to line streets and driveways throughout the festive period and at times of celebrations including weddings and birthdays.