The Origination of the Chinese Lantern

Origin Stories

• The origins of the traditional Chinese lantern are older than recorded history. Legendary origin stories say that the lantern was invented as part of the Chinese New Year celebration, which today is still known as the Chinese Lantern Festival. Other origin stories claim that the lantern was originally created as a way to celebrate the dead, in a festival similar to the All Hallow's Eve celebration in Europe. Perhaps the lantern was created for military reasons. One legend credits hero Zhu Geliang with inventing a thin, floating lantern that could be used as a signal to Chinese citizens that attack was imminent. It is certain that the Chinese lantern became prominent in 618 BCE, during the Tang Dynasty, as an element in festivals and celebrations of all kinds.

Traditional Lantern Design

• Traditionally, Chinese lanterns are decorative objects made in bright colors and patterns. Royals and peasants alike used the lanterns to light their homes, and the lanterns have become an important part of Chinese folk art through the years. Some lanterns display portraits of legendary Chinese figures, religious and otherwise. The most noticeable design element is the thinness and lightness of the lantern, which is designed to float.

Lantern Festival History

• The Chinese Lantern festival dates back to ancient times. The first lantern festivals were religious in nature, used to celebrate Chinese gods. Origin stories of the festival include accounts of ancient worship and show that the festival became associated with both Taoism and Buddhism throughout the years. Today, the modern festival still shows its religious roots by paying homage to the power of the moon, a driving force in ancient worship practices.

Lantern Legend

• The Chinese Lantern Festival itself has become a source of mystery in modern times. One ancient legend tells a tale that the Jade Emperor, who lived in the Heavens, became angry with an entire town of people and planned to burn them. A good fairy discovered his plans, and warned the town to light as many lanterns as possible. From above, the town looked like it was on fire to Jade Emperor and he spared it from his vengeful rain of fire. To celebrate their salvation, the townsfolk began lighting lanterns every year on the first full moon of the new year and this is how the Lantern Festival was started.