| Simplicity and beauty: | | | | The latest trend also is to use these lanterns as a part |
| Paper lanterns are a stylish decoration. But, at the | | | | of interior and exterior decoration. The various classes |
| same time, these lanterns are also the simplest | | | | of paper lanterns are used for different purposes and |
| decorations available. The lanterns are made of | | | | have their own significance. |
| different types of paper, but mainly rice paper or hand | | | | Lanterns for exterior displays: |
| made paper. There is a bare minimum of materials | | | | Let us look at some traditional categories of these |
| required to make paper lanterns, and these are readily | | | | lanterns, starting from the last class, which is termed |
| available as well. When lit up, these simple, elegant | | | | "Buddha's gastronomy". These huge lanterns are used |
| lanterns pacify the environment and add beauty and | | | | in various display shows and ceremonies, and hang |
| elegance to everything around. | | | | outside Asian temples. There are other tall types of |
| Festivals and lanterns in Asian culture: | | | | lanterns, again used for exterior displays, called "rolling |
| Asia is the continent of origin for these elegant paper | | | | paper". These are usually cylindrical in shape. Today, |
| lanterns; their history takes us back to ancient times. | | | | one can see these being used outside many |
| Today, the use of these lanterns is prominent during | | | | commercial outlets to attract customers and even at |
| festive seasons everywhere in the world. The famous | | | | many open-air occasions to make the environment |
| lantern festival, which is a part of the New Year | | | | more pleasant. |
| celebration, which lasts for fifteen days in China, is well | | | | Lanterns as a part of interiors: |
| known everywhere. There are many other Asian | | | | There are other three classes that can be used as |
| cultures where these sky lanterns constitute a part of | | | | exterior display as well as for interior elaborations. |
| their festivals. This tradition of celebrating festivals with | | | | These are the tiny so-called "baby's bottom" lanterns, |
| paper lanterns has been followed for centuries. | | | | the middle sized "big red" or "tomato light" lanterns, and |
| The spread around the world: | | | | the creative designs and geometrical shapes of |
| After their inception in ancient times, these lanterns | | | | "crystal magic". The baby's bottom lanterns are often |
| made their way across the continents. Europe was | | | | used for Christmas decorations. The mid sized tomato |
| the first foreign continent known to make use of paper | | | | light or big red are the most popular; they are simple |
| lanterns during festive seasons. Today, one can see | | | | spherical designs which are used as a part of interior |
| people making use of these lanterns even during | | | | design. Today, you can see these elegant pieces being |
| Christmas. | | | | used for many purposes other than festivals. |