Sky Lantern

flight · traditions · fire safety

Paper hot air balloons. Sky lanterns are small hot air balloons made from paper with an opening at the bottom where a tiny fire burns underneath. The heat from the fire warms the air inside, making the lantern rise into the sky like a floating ghost.

Ancient Chinese origin. Sky lanterns are also called Kongming lanterns, named after an ancient Chinese military leader. For centuries, people in Asia have released them during festivals and celebrations to bring good luck.

Fire and flight work together. The key to a sky lantern flying is simple science: hot air is lighter than cold air, so it pushes the lantern upward. Once the paper cools down high in the sky, the lantern gently falls back to earth.

Festival celebrations. Thousands of sky lanterns light up the night during festivals in countries like Thailand, Taiwan, and China. They create a stunning sight as they float upward like golden stars being born in the darkness.

Safety concerns exist. Many places now ban or limit sky lanterns because they can start wildfires, hurt animals, and pollute the environment. Some festivals use electric light-up balloons instead to stay safe and eco-friendly.