Flying Chinese lanterns (also known as Kongming lanterns) are small and light air balloons, usually made of tissue paper and featuring a bamboo or metal frame. The flying lanterns can be purchased cheaply, or easily built with materials available at home (if you want to learn how to do it, click here). Whether you want to use these lanterns respecting Asian traditions, or you just want to have fun, remember to observe the safety rules to avoid causing fires and ensure everyone has fun.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a safe launch area
In the vast majority of cases, flying lanterns are safe and fun. Usually, the lanterns gently rock in the wind, the candle inside them runs out, and the small balloon settles to the ground without causing damage. However, since they are still powered by a "free" flame and are often made of flammable material, there is always the possibility, even if remote, that a lantern will catch fire and go out of control. Use all your judgment when choosing an area for the launch. Take these few elements into consideration.
- Choose an obstacle-free space. Parks and open fields lend themselves very well to this purpose. There should be no trees, roofs, power lines or other possible obstacles in the immediate vicinity when you decide to fly a lantern.
- Do not fly the lanterns in an area where there is dry wood. Better not to throw the lanterns in the presence of wood, grass and dry leaves, because there is always a small risk that they will catch fire. Also remember that flying lanterns can travel long distances before falling back to the ground, and although at that point the internal flame should have gone out completely, there is still the possibility that there are some embers left.
- Learn about the law in force. Do not throw flying lanterns in areas where it is illegal to do so. In some states there are laws regulating the use of fireworks and other types of entertainment that require open flames. Don't break these laws, it's not worth risking a complaint.
Step 2. Throw the lanterns when the weather is good
The flying lanterns are supposed to swing quietly in the sky, giving a spectacle. Try to fly them on a clear and peaceful night. Do not throw the lanterns if there is a strong wind or if it threatens to rain. Inclement weather can dampen the spirit of your party by making it difficult for you to fly a lantern or toss it violently across the sky.
Step 3. Open the lantern
When you are ready to fly your lantern, carefully check that the hole in the base of the balloon is open and that the material the lantern is made of is well adhered to the supporting structure. At this point, if you haven't done so already, you can attach the soaked candle or fuse into the housing at the base of the lantern. In the case of a metal structure, you must pull the frame towards the center and wrap it around the fuel source.
Step 4. Fill the lantern with air
Before launching it, make sure that the balloon is completely inflated with air and that at no point does the covering curl inwards. In this way, not only will the lantern rise more easily from the ground, but it will also be more difficult for the coating to go over the flame and catch fire. Grab the lantern by the base and gently rock it back and forth (as you would a garbage bag), until it is fully inflated.
Step 5. Turn on the fuel source
It does not matter whether you are using a candle, a soaked rag or whatever, it is time to trigger. Keep the lantern upright, light the fuse and wait for the hot air to fill the balloon. It can take a couple of minutes for the lantern to begin to rise (while you wait, hold the sides of the lantern so that it stays open and upright).
If you are concerned that the lantern could immediately fall back to the ground and catch fire, keep a pump or a bucket of water at hand
Step 6. Let her go and enjoy the show
Wait until you feel a push upwards, then let go of your lantern: there is no need to push it. Your lantern will rise into the night sky emitting a beautiful glow. Enjoy this magical and relaxing experience.
If you are saddened by the thought of the lantern flying out of sight, tie a fireproof rope to the base so you can hold it like a kite
Step 7. Make a wish (if you want)
According to some traditions, flying lanterns take charge of the wishes of those who threw them. If you want to be part of these traditions, make a wish when the lantern hovers in the sky, or write it on its casing before throwing it.
