They were born as ” signal balls ” something like two thousand years ago in China and now used for parties, weddings, and birthdays. In essence, we are talking about the Chinese flying lanterns, whose use has become increasingly widespread in Western countries for some years now this part. The show of the Chinese lanterns that rise in the sky, silent and illuminated, gives to 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 really true? Before answering the question, let’s see in detail how they are made, how they work and the right models to buy according to current legislation.
How the Chinese lanterns are made
Chinese lanterns are usually made of non-flammable, biodegradable material: a rice paper-like material or rice paper is usually 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 conjuncture of the internal metal structure, is fixed the wick made of flammable material. The wick is presented as a block of compressed, wax-like material embedded within the base of the metal structure of the lantern.
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 see how to open them and how to turn them on, let’s move on to the next 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 having the duty also to keep 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 having completely removed the wrapping that wraps it inside the package, you will have to open the lantern, 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, giving it air from below to inflame it and give it its true shape, but always with extreme delicacy.
Now keeping the in-flight lantern position, then with the base of the wick down, you can begin to light it: this is an operation that requires particular patients, since it is likely that the wick does 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 the lantern is ready to be launched: just raise it to the sky and initially try to accompany it upwards: at some point, you will feel the lantern lighter and lighter in your hands, and this is the sign that is rising in flight.
In short, thanks to its shape, the Chinese lantern uses the principle of the balloon: the heat coming from the bottom, decreases the density inside the rice paper, making it rise in flight. Usually, a Chinese lantern can reach a height of 600 meters up to a kilometer with good weather conditions and after about 10 minutes of flight, they begin to go out and fall down.
Advice for a successful outcome
Very often it is heard that the lanterns are torn, or that they immediately catch fire without getting in 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 increase the magic and the spectacle that, once lit and in flight, create a contrast to the dark sky.
Another precaution that we should try to respect is the fact of not lighting them in the vicinity of airports, since they could create problems of wrong 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 goes for the proximity to the buildings or electric cables: keeping a safe distance, there will be no problem in this regard. Just to prevent the lanterns from falling to the ground, it is advised not to use them when the wind is particularly strong or in the event of rain: in both cases a … a plane crash is probable.
If all the weather conditions are in your favor, as well as the place where you are, we advise you to pin 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 arrived in heaven is the widespread belief that your desire comes 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 the sky very slowly.
Models and Variants
On the market, there are many types of lanterns, many of which do not comply with the CE: only by purchasing lanterns certified by European Union regulations, you will be sure of the success of the product, avoiding unpleasant incidents both among the people who use them and risking that get inflamed.
Most models have standard dimensions: they have a height of about 110 cm. and a diameter of 70 cm. 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 obviated this problem by making the whole 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. Increasing the demand, the available models also increase: you can choose the lanterns according to our favorite color, and some also have a particular shape, for example: at heart. To help you choose, let’s see which models are recommended and safe to use.
Recommended Models of Chinese Lanterns
Created completely in biodegradable material, including the metal part that has been replaced by a totally ecological material. Inside the package, there are 20 white lanterns that we recommend for weddings.
Also in this case we recommend a completely biodegradable type of lanterns, but this time inside the 25-piece package, there are many different colors: recommended for a birthday party or a birth.
In our opinion, the following is the top product of the moment, recommended to couples in love who want to seal their love. These lanterns, always made of 100% biodegradable material, are produced in the shape of a red heart, and inside the package, you will find 2.
We also recommend this pack of 10 lanterns all white and 100% biodegradable and suitable for a wedding or a party.
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