Welcome to sky lanterns.
alternative Chinese name Traditional Chinese 孔明燈 Simplified Chinese 孔明灯 Literal meaning Kongming lanterns Japanese name Kanji 天灯 Kana てんとう Thai name Thai RTGS khom loi
Sky lanterns, also known as Kongming Lantern are airborne paper lanterns traditionally discovered in some Asian cultures. They are constructed from oiled rice paper on a bamboo frame, and contain a small candle or fuel cell composed of a waxy flammable material. When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern, thus lowering its density causing the lantern to rise into the air. The sky lantern is only airborne for as lengthy as the flame stays alight, following which the lantern floats back to the ground.
Sky lanterns are also referred to as sky candles or fire balloons, however this term is also used to refer to balloon munitions used throughout World War II.
Sky lanterns cause a big wow factor when you include them in your wedding reception. They traditionally come from Asia where it's considered great luck to release a lantern, and numerous Thai's believe they are symbolic of your difficulties and worries floating away.
One from the weddings I attended recently released their lanterns at midnight as a excellent finale to a perfect day, fifty lanterns filled the night sky, shining and flickering as if by magic. The guests were silent as they took it all in. It was all really romantic.
You could have your guests personalise the lanterns, or get them to write good luck messages on the lanterns, all you require are lots of marker pens and you'll be able to see these when they're floating within the sky.
Traditionally they are created of oiled rice paper but there are numerous companies that manufacture a fire retardant lantern to improve the safety of the display. They work by lighting the fuel or candle which heats up the air inside, when the air is hot it will begin to rise. Some lanterns will go to excellent heights and they will last about 15 minutes and then start floating down. If they are made of bamboo and paper they'll be environmentally friendly.
Fifty lanterns worked well with a wedding party of 150, it takes time to light each lantern and release them individually so anymore might mean additional help. The cost comparison against traditional fireworks is large and they last. Having everyone involved also adds to the moment. Just make sure you have lots of matches on hand!
You can buy this sky lanterns from Amazon
