They were born as “signal balls,” dating back approximately two thousand years in China, and are now used for parties, weddings, and birthdays. In essence, we are talking about Chinese flying lanterns, whose use has become increasingly widespread in Western countries over the past few years. The show of the Chinese lanterns that rise in the sky, silent and illuminated, gives any event that touch of suggestion more. Indeed, it is now the highlight, almost inalienable in the summer.
Many people rightly question whether the Chinese lanterns are dangerous because they could cause a fire by falling over the place they are flying over, but is this true? Before answering the question, let’s examine the details of how they are made, how they work, and the best models to purchase under current legislation.
How the Chinese lanterns are made
Chinese lanterns are typically made of non-flammable, biodegradable materials. A rice paper-like material, often referred to as rice paper, is commonly used in the more expensive models. The rice paper is mounted on an ovoid-shaped metal structure, slightly reminiscent of a small hot-air balloon.
In the lower part of the lantern, fixed to the junction of the internal metal structure, is the wick made of flammable material. The wick is presented as a block of compressed, wax-like material embedded within the base of the lantern’s metal structure.
Before opening the lantern from the envelope where it is stored, it is closed and folded on itself, taking up the size of a sheet of paper slightly thicker than usual. To learn how to open and activate them, proceed to the following paragraph.
Chinese lanterns: How do they work?
Once the package has been opened, you will need to pay particular attention and care in shaping and then firing the lantern. For a good result, we advise you to get help from another person: one can keep the lantern extended, and the other can take care of setting fire to the wick without also having the duty of maintaining the lantern itself.
The person holding the extended lantern must pay particular attention to the slightest breath of wind, which could cause it to bend over itself with the risk of catching fire. After completely removing the wrapping that encloses the lantern, open it by removing all the folds, starting from the metal base where the wick is placed. Always keeping it for the lower part, it is possible to shake it slightly, allowing air to flow from below and inflate it, giving it its proper shape, but always with extreme delicacy.
Now, keeping the in-flight lantern position, with the base of the wick down, you can begin to light it. This is an operation that requires particular patience, as the wick may not immediately take fire, especially if there are air currents.
Once the wick has completely ignited, it is necessary not to immediately throw the lantern, but wait for the heat to spread inside the rice paper, inflating it slightly. Only now is the lantern ready to be launched: raise it to the sky and initially try to accompany it upwards. At some point, you will feel the lantern growing lighter and lighter in your hands, and this is the sign that it is rising in flight.
In short, thanks to its shape, the Chinese lantern utilizes the principle of the balloon: the heat generated from the bottom decreases the density of the rice paper, causing it to rise in flight. Typically, a Chinese lantern can reach a height of 600 meters to a kilometer, depending on the weather conditions. After approximately 10 minutes of flight, they begin to fall to the ground.
Advice for a successful outcome
Very often, it is heard that the lanterns are torn, or that they immediately catch fire without getting into the air. Before their use, there are some precautions to be respected to avoid unpleasant problems. First of all, their use must take place in an external environment, preferably at night, to enhance the magic and spectacle that, once lit and in flight, create a contrast against the dark sky.
Another precaution we should try to respect is not lighting them in the vicinity of airports, as they could create problems with incorrect reporting. In this regard, some states have banned their use altogether. Since these are lanterns powered by fire, we advise you to avoid the proximity of woods or bushes that can ignite if the lantern should lose altitude suddenly.
The same applies to the proximity to buildings or electric cables: maintaining a safe distance will ensure no issues in this regard. To prevent the lanterns from falling to the ground, it is advised not to use them when the wind is mighty or in the event of rain; in both cases, a plane crash is probable.
Suppose all the weather conditions are in your favor, as well as the place where you are. In that case, we advise you to jot down your wish on a small note to be applied to the metal base or directly on the rice paper with a light marker: once you arrive in heaven, it is the widespread belief that your desire will come true.
Keeping in mind these brief warnings, you can proceed to the lighting and throwing of the lanterns, enjoying the spectacle that they give rise to in the sky very slowly.
Models and Variants
On the market, there are many types of lanterns, many of which do not comply with CE regulations. By purchasing lanterns certified by European Union regulations, you can ensure the product’s success, avoiding unpleasant incidents among users and the risk of burns.
Most models have standard dimensions, measuring approximately 110 cm in height and 70 cm in diameter. They are all made of non-flammable and biodegradable rice paper that does not pollute the surrounding environment. We have some doubts about the metal part, but some models have addressed this issue by making the entire lantern biodegradable, including the structure.
The ” classic ” lanterns are produced with the white color that is well suited to births or weddings, where you want to respect the color par excellence of the bride. As demand increases, so do the available models: you can now choose lanterns according to your favorite color, and some also feature a distinctive shape, such as a heart. To help you decide, let’s see which models are recommended and safe to use.
