Chinese Candle Lanterns

Chinese craftsmen began production of chinese lanterns centuries previously using bamboo also newspaper or silk. Originally formed as a way to produce light, Chinese lanterns at last became integrated in Chinese civilization. Chinese candle lanterns are nowadays used in celebrations or festivals. From the mainly intricate designs with elaborate trappings all the way down to tiny paper bags, Chinese lanterns have a diversity of shapes, sizes as well as colors. Making your own Chinese lanterns provides an opportunity to produce handmade homespun decor that can be shared with your children.

Chinese Lantern Festival a.k.a. Yuan-Xiao Festival is on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar.
The Lantern Festival is the last day of Chinese New Year festival.

Make your own Chinese Candle Lantern

Things You'll Need:

  • Lunch-size paper bag, Pencil, Scissors, Color tissue paper, Glue stick, Sand, Battery-operated tea light candles, Hole punch and Ribbon

  1. Lay your paper bag flat on a hard surface. Draw or trace a design such as a crescent moon and stars or Chinese characters.

  2. Open the paper bag and cut the design out of the paper bag. Since you do not want to start cutting from the bag's edge, pinch a small section of the bag inside the design and make a cut. This will be your starting point to cut out your design.

  3. Cut a sheet of tissue paper large enough to cover your design but small enough to fit inside the paper bag. Gently place glue around the edges of the tissue paper. Glue the tissue paper to the inside of the paper bag, covering your design on the inside of the bag.

  4. Pour sand into the paper bag until there is 1-inch layer of sand. The sand serves as a weight to prevent your Chinese candle lantern from blowing over.

  5. Place a few small tea candles inside the bag, this should illuminate the bad and make your cut out shapes glow brightly. Alternatively turn on and place two battery-operated tea light candles inside the bag. Traditionally, fire-burning candles would be used to illuminate a Chinese candle lantern.

  6. Fold down the top inch of the lantern. Toward the center of the fold, punch two holes 1 inch apart. Pull your ribbon through the holes and tie a bow. Depending on your preference, the bow can either adorn the side with the design or the backside. Enjoy your Chinese candle lantern!