Bao gong (999-1062) was a famous official of the northern song dynasty (960-1127). He is respected for his excellent personality, Read More
Chinese Lanterns, to Celebrate Their Peaceful Life
Paper lanterns originated in the eastern han dynasty (25-220) and were mainly used as lamps in ancient China. They use a variety of materials, such as bamboo, wood, wheat straw and metal. Paper and silk are the main materials.
Originally, monks used lanterns to worship Buddha on the 12th day of the first lunar month. During the eastern han dynasty, emperor liu zhuang was a buddhist and ordered the residents and citizens of his palace to light lanterns and worship Buddha like monks. Later, this custom gradually became a grand festival for the common people. In the tang dynasty (618-907), people made lanterns to celebrate their peaceful life, while bright colorful lanterns symbolised and celebrated the prosperity, strength and strength of the country. Since then, lighting has become popular in this country.
Before the use of gas and electricity, lanterns were once used for lighting, but now they are merely decorative or, more importantly, used during the Lantern Festival each year.
It was mainly used in palaces in ancient times. It is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship, elegant and dignified pictures and court features. When making palace lanterns, window frames are made of fine wood and covered with silk or glass. Various patterns are painted on the cover. These dragon and phoenix lanterns were not only used as lamps, but also as decorations for the palace. They come in many shapes, such as octagon, hexagon, and even diameter.
The lamp shade was covered with gauze. Bamboo used to be the frame, but now it’s made of wire, and candles are made of light bulbs. Of these lanterns, the red ones are believed to be the most in the world. It was made with red gauze. In Chinese culture, red lanterns are a symbol of booming life and prosperous career, so they are always hung on important festivals such as Lantern Festival, Chinese New Year and National Day in parks or main streets. In some famous chinatowns abroad, you can see red lanterns all year round. They have become the symbol of Chinese culture all over the world.
