Tuesday 6 September 2011

Historical Paper Lanterns: Shapes and Meanings

There is a whole variety of decorative paper lanterns that are accessible for any kind of home exterior design. These paper lanterns are basically known as hanging paper lamps which originally came from Asia. The variety of paper lanterns can be utilized for the emphasis of the exterior of a home any time when needed especially during holiday seasons and celebrations. Japanese, Vietnamese, or Chinese style – just about every color is available for everyone. There is what they call Paper Lantern festivals all throughout Asia which do not exist in America; however, these lanterns would still look terrific for American holidays, weddings, parties, and birthdays. The paper lanterns are fit for night ambience without giving contribution to light pollution. In other words, the lanterns are perfect for just the ample right amount of fun and comfortable ambience that anyone would love.

Paper lanterns formally originated from China where the lanterns were used as an aid to the military. Flying lanterns were created by a military strategist who was inspired by a hat for the shape and figure of the lanterns. Oiled rice paper was the material that was placed onto a bamboo frame where a tiny candle rested. This little candle would easily produce heated air which allows the lanterns to rise. Gauze paper lanterns integrated with four red paper letters were commonly used during ceremonials including weddings. Another use of the paper lantern back then was for a simple symbol for the return of the spring season.

One of the most popular paper lanterns are the round paper lanterns which were formed with hollow centers with a height slightly smaller than its diameter. This round paper lanterns is probably the most popular among all the other styles because of its original and exotic appeal that attracts a lot of people. These can actually be used in the garden or around the area of a home for a warm ambience during night time. Another traditional type of paper lantern is the square paper lantern, ideal for garden and even for indoor room decorations. Cylindrical paper lanterns, on the other hand, are available in Chinese and Japanese temples where they are usually found hanging in front the shrines. These cylindrical paper lanterns were also popular for shops, having that symbol that indicates the items being sold in the particular shop.

Knowing some of the types of paper lanterns is beneficial to understanding which different symbols on paper lanterns can show the items that are accomplished around a yard as well as the use of each area including the BBQ, patio, and deck. Rectangular paper lanterns are commonly used as signs that are placed in front of the shops, showing customers to the location of the business the same way that the lanterns can guide visitors to the locations of entertainment and food in a yard. There are smaller versions of the rectangular paper lanterns that are fit and best for exterior areas for eating dinner.

There are also shapes and sizes that are non-traditional, adding a great accent to a garden or yard. These include the start lanterns that are used as Christmas decorations, zigzag paper lanterns for that different kind of attractiveness, wave paper lanterns for meditation and relaxation purposes, and lastly the mushroom paper lanterns which are odd, yet fun additions to an exterior area.

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