Lanterns have something magical, ethereal, infinite. They symbolize the soul’s lightness, freedom feelings, the flow of emotions, the brightness of existence. And they make us dream. They are an element that presents differences in Asian cultures and that has evolved over time. They are the protagonists of various festivals and celebrations, with the aim of celebrate luck and immortality.
The lanterns meanings in Chinese and Japanese Culture
Chinese Lanterns history
Chinese lanterns date back to the Han Dynasty (25-220). At that time they were used as lamps, made of materials such as bamboo, wood, metal and especially paper and silk. Only later monks began to light lanterns to celebrate Buddha and to show their gratitude to life. Fun fact: during conflicts, lanterns were used to transmit secret messages.
Ancient and modern Chinese lanterns
If royal lanterns illuminated castles and palaces, other lanterns were created to generate shadows for entertainment. They had the same shape as royal lanterns, but were covered with two layers of paper or silk. Today there is a great variety of lanterns, some that recall tradition such as those with candles, gauze, tissue paper or rice paper, others that rely on technology, using LED bulbs instead of candles. There are also electric lanterns and musical lanterns. They can be suspended or hung in front of shops as a lucky charm or to decorate homes.
Then there are the “celestial lanterns“, made for the Spring Festival, celebrated during the first full moon of the Chinese calendar. These lanterns are released into the sky, pushed by hot air. Floating lanterns are instead equipped with waterproof burners, placed on rivers and lakes during particular celebrations. They create luminous reflections on the water.
In China, lanterns are an part of daily life, they are ornaments used during weddings and birth ceremonies as lucky charms. In general, Chinese lanterns symbolize good luck. Red lanterns are the most common since in China red is the color associated with luck. The blue ones indicate that a family member is sick, since in Chinese culture, blue is a symbol of low energy. White lanterns symbolize death and mourning while purple is a color that brings bad luck. The choice of material (paper or silk) instead depends only on personal taste.
“Nankurunaisa” – means “behave as you should and everything will be fine”
Japanese Proverb
Japanese Lanterns
They had different shapes, names and functions over time. In the past, the term Tourou indicated any type of Japanese lantern, while today it refers to lamps made of materials such as stone, bronze, iron or wood, located in Buddhist or Shinto places of worship.
This kind of lantern is divided into: Ishidourou that means “stone lantern” and Tsuridourou, the typical hanging lanterns, a direct evolution of the first, present inside sanctuaries, made of iron and glass. The best known among Japanese lanterns remains the Chochin. It is made of a bamboo frame and wrapped in a sheet of rice paper or silk, to protect the flame from the wind, hanging from the ceiling or roof.
Andon ones have a cubic or cylindrical shape and their main characteristic is elegance. Widespread in the Edo Period (1603-1868), there are many variations: with a pedestal, bedside, living room. In any case, each type of Japanese lantern embodies a profound spirituality. During the war, it was believed that they could calm the anger of dead fighters’ spirits. Lanterns were lit to prevent the victims from tormenting those who had taken their lives.
Lanterns are not only common in China and Japan, but throughout Asia, where there are some festivals in which they are the real protagonists!
Festival in Seoul
The Lotus Lantern Festival is an event held every year in Seoul to celebrate the birth of Buddha 2,558 years ago. The lanterns’ shape is due to the fact that, according to tradition, they light the way for the future Buddha. Lotus lanterns have been offered since the dawn of Buddhism and date back to the Indian customs of offering water, incense and flowers.
Nagasaki Lantern Festival
It is celebrated on the first 15 days of the Chinese New Year and its origins date back to the time of the Chinese colonists, when it was held in Nagasaki’s Chinatown. This tradition has adapted to the local culture, maintaining its Chinese roots.
One of the shows not to be missed is the Jaodori, a fusion of dragon dance, acrobatics, lion dance (to ward off evil spirits) and “mask changing”. The performers change their masks so quickly that you can’t understand how they do it!
According to the legend, the lanterns were lit to lead the spirits of ancestors home. They are supposed to create a bond between the living and the dead. Local artisans draw inspiration from natural elements and mythology to create the lanterns that are displayed during the parade.
Street food is also an integral part of the festival. You can watch the show while eating Champon, noodles with seafood and vegetables, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls) and Castella, a sponge cake of Portuguese origin to pair with a cup of green tea. And if you’re still not full, try Shippoku Ryori, a traditional meal that has several courses!
Chiang Mai Festival
During this festival, Ping River’s banks are filled with flickering lights and families gather to release their krathongs. They are made from banana leaves, flowers and candles, into the water. Even if you are not a local, you can create your own krathong with the help of artisans in a specialized workshop!
At the same time, the flying lanterns, or “khom loi“, are released into the sky. This gesture contains a very specific symbolism. Before letting them fly away, you write your wishes on them, with the aim of letting go of the past and welcoming a new beginning.
In Thai tradition, flying lanterns are little fairies that carry wishes to the sky. In addition, during the festival, special ceremonies are held in temples, candles are lit and prayers are whispered.
The Festival is also a great time to experience local cuisine. You can enjoy a Khantoke dinner, where a selection of Northern Thai dishes are served on a low wooden table. Main courses include khao soi (a curry noodle soup with coconut), nam prik ong (a spicy tomato sauce with minced pork), and sticky rice paired with fresh mango.
This experience is accompanied by traditional music and dance performances.
Pyngyao
You could almost say that the presence of lanterns is so ingrained here, with its streets dotted with red lanterns, that it makes this town seem like it is always celebrating! It is a real gem: high walls, Confucian temples and residences of royal families.
Hoi An Festival
Also known as the City of Lanterns, it is located in the central part of Vietnam. The old town is a riot of pagodas, temples, traditional houses and old shops. The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 14th day of each month of the lunar calendar. On this occasion, the electric lights are turned off! The only source of light that remains is that of the lanterns. Thousands of them are released into the river with the aim of purifying the soul. Throughout the city there are craft markets, street food and traditional dances.
In its heyday, Hoi An was a center of silk lantern production. They were considered among the best in the world for their beauty and quality. This ancient art still lives on in the local workshops where lanterns are produced in silk, paper, cotton, hand-painted and decorated with themes inspired by nature or mythology. Lanterns are considered a means to communicate with the spirits of ancestors, to ask for protection and good luck.
Have you ever participated in a traditional festival by releasing your lantern into the air or letting it slide away on a river?