What are Chinese lanterns called? The history of sky lanterns
Chinese sky lanterns are a flying system made of paper stretched over a lightweight wood frame. Such products have been widespread in eastern countries and in Russia since ancient times.
The history of Chinese sky lanterns
The age of the very first sky lantern is approximately 2 thousand years. At the beginning of the third century of our era, they were used in military campaigns. The idea of creation belongs to a Chinese general. Nowadays, many people use a variety of flashlights for their personal purposes. Previously, they were used as a means of communication. They are clearly visible at long distances, which helped the generals give all kinds of orders or notify the combat detachment about the approach of the enemy.
Over time, sky paper lanterns began to be used for peaceful purposes. For example, the Chinese used them as a bridge between two worlds. When they flew into the sky, they could take with them the dreams and desires of many people. It is this symbolism that they have preserved to this day, which is why they are in demand at any celebration. Eastern people I always tried to believe that air lanterns bring happiness. That is why they began to be launched at weddings and various holidays.
It is worth considering that simple Chinese lanterns and paper balloon ones are considered to be the same, but nevertheless they have differences. The Chinese ones simply serve for decoration on the streets or in houses, while the celestial ones have a completely different system and can be launched into the sky.
Chinese sky lanterns: description and device
The sky lantern system is actually very simple. You can see that it is somewhat similar to a regular one. Of course, it can only be run once, but it is also very inexpensive. The very first lanterns were made with a bamboo frame. And they put a rice paper dome on it. Now modern materials have appeared that are more popular. For example, mulberry paper is used for the dome.
As mentioned earlier, paper lanterns rise into the sky according to the principle of an ordinary ball. The burner, which is fixed at the bottom, heats the air, and then the whole system begins to work. The flame heats the air for takeoff and at the same time creates a mysterious illumination in the sky. The most important thing is to remember that for flashlights you need to use only environmentally friendly materials. The paper dome, wood frame and fuel in the burner are easily disposed of by nature itself, and the surrounding environment is not polluted at all.
For production we need only high-quality and environmentally friendly materials. The dome should only be made of paper with a wooden frame. The fuel in the burner should not pollute the environment, so it must be organic.
Technical properties
In fact, these celestial bodies are quite light. On average, the weight can reach only 200 grams, which is really very little. Of course, the flight of such a flashlight will not be long. The fuel is designed for about twenty minutes of free flight. And when the substance eventually burns out, it will simply fall down. An aerial lantern can rise to a fairly high altitude during its flight. On average it ranges from 200 to 500 meters.
If you turn on a flashlight late in the evening, the dome will glow very brightly, and it will be clearly visible even from many kilometers away, and a huge number of people will watch it. It is worth noting that people really like to watch Chinese sky lanterns and consider it a kind of entertainment.
Varieties
There are actually quite a lot of types of sky lanterns. But the traditional shape has always been the cylinder. In China they were considered inexpensive and completely simple.
Eastern peoples have always been able to put on an excellent show and at the same time launch balloons, triangles and much more into the air. In modern days, lanterns also have a cylindrical shape with a height of about one meter. They are very cheap and therefore quite famous. Various drawings or inscriptions can be placed on the paper from which the dome is created.
Chinese sky lanterns for lovers in the shape of a heart are also very famous. They can usually be found at weddings or just for romance. Children are also not indifferent to them. They also really like lanterns, and especially for them you can find products in the shape of different animals. These can be cats, dogs and other popular species. Each person has his own thoughts, and anyone can come up with an image of lanterns that he likes.
Usage criteria
Any category of citizens can safely release lanterns into the sky. Both children and adults. After all, for many this is joy. And this does not require any knowledge about it. It's absolutely safe and you don't need to wait for special weather to do it. But still, some rules will come in handy. In very bad weather, the flight time of the flashlight may change, because everything will depend on its mass. When there is a lot of wind, it is also not recommended to launch them. And it is best to let it go away from houses and buildings to avoid fires.
Launching near the airport is also prohibited. Also, do not place any foreign objects on the dome. And most importantly, never use fuel other than the one included in the kit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can conclude that lanterns are really very beautiful and also very important for many people. Some believe in the fulfillment of wishes, others simply enjoy the beauty of a lantern in the sky. It is wonderful to know that the long tradition of launching has continued into our modern times.
Fire regulations in Russian Federation... Clause 77... It is prohibited in the territory of settlements and urban districts, as well as at a distance of less than 100 meters from forests, to launch uncontrolled products made of flammable materials, the principle of lifting them to a height is based on heating the air inside the structure using an open fire.
Story
The first mentions of Chinese paper lanterns were found in chronicles describing the military campaigns of General Zhuge Liang (180-234 AD, honorary title Kunming), who, according to sources, used them to strike fear into enemy troops:
The oil lamp was placed under a large paper bag, which rose with the hot air from the lamp. … The enemies were filled with fear because of the light in the air, thinking that divine power was helping him.
However, the device, which is a lamp in a paper container, has been documented previously, and, according to Joseph Needham, Balloons with hot air were known in China in the 3rd century. BC e.
It is also known that flying Chinese lanterns were used as a universal means of transmitting signals between the command and various army units in the Chinese Army. Later in China and others eastern countries Launching paper lanterns was given a certain religious significance.
In Europe, Chinese lanterns began to appear en masse in 2005. [ ] In 2005, in memory of the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, about 5 thousand lanterns were launched on Khao Lak Beach (in Thailand). Journalist Zhou Xin (Gangzhou Daily) took second place in the Arts and Entertainment category at the prestigious international competition World Press Photo photojournalists.
Device
The role of the supporting structure in a sky lantern is performed by a light wooden frame, usually bamboo. In its lower part there is a burner attached to a thin wire. A traditional burner is made from a piece of cotton cloth impregnated with wax, or from porous paper impregnated with flammable liquids. In modern flashlights, the burner is sometimes made of flammable polymers. The dome is made of rice paper with the addition of . The paper is usually impregnated with a special non-flammable compound so that it does not catch fire.
The frame and dome of the sky lantern may have different shape, from standard geometric shapes(cylinder, ball) to images of animals and popular household items.
Operating principle
The burner flame heats the air inside the flashlight to 100~120 °C. When heated, the density of air becomes less, and, accordingly, its mass. The air inside the flashlight becomes lighter than the air outside, so the flashlight floats in the cold air.
The density of the heated air inside the flashlight can be calculated using the equation of state of an ideal gas
ρ = p R ⋅ T , (\displaystyle \rho =(\frac (p)(R\cdot T)),)Where ρ - air density, p- absolute pressure, R- universal gas constant for dry air (287.058 J ⁄ (kg K)) And T- absolute temperature in Kelvin.
The volume of an average flashlight is approximately 0.25 m³. At standard atmospheric pressure of 101.325 kPa and air temperature of 20 °C, the density atmospheric air is 1.2041 kg⁄m³. It follows that the mass of air in a flashlight with a volume of 0.25 m³ will be about 300 grams.
When the air inside the lantern is heated to a temperature of 100 °C, its density will decrease and amount to 0.946 kg/m³. At this density, the mass of air inside the flashlight will no longer be 300 g, but 236 g. The weight of the average design Chinese lantern about 50 g. The total mass of the flashlight (with heated air inside) is 50 g + 236 g = 286 g. It turns out that the total mass of the flashlight is 14 g less than the mass of air occupying the same volume. This difference corresponds to the lifting force acting on the flashlight.
According to Archimedes’ law, a body immersed in a liquid (or gas) is subject to a buoyancy force equal to the weight of the liquid (or gas) displaced by this body, F A = ρ g V (\displaystyle F_(A)=\rho gV), Where ρ (\displaystyle \rho )- density of liquid (gas), g (\displaystyle (g)) is the acceleration of free fall, and V (\displaystyle V)- volume of the immersed body.
For a flashlight, buoyant force = 1.20 kg⁄m³ × 9.8 m/s² × 0.25 m³ = 2.94 N. Gravity force acting on the flashlight = 0.286 kg × 9.8 m/s² = 2.80 N .
The behavior of the flashlight depends on the relationship between the gravity modules F T (\displaystyle F_(T)) and the forces of Archimedes F A (\displaystyle F_(A)) that act on this body. The flashlight will begin to rise into the sky if the condition is met F T<
F
A
{\displaystyle F_{T}
Some characteristics
The weight of an average Chinese lantern is 50-100 g. The lifting height is usually within 200-500 meters, the burning time of the fuel in the burner is 15-20 minutes. The sizes of lanterns vary from 70*28 cm to 170*50 cm (height*diameter of the lower ring).
Operational safety
When launching sky lanterns, certain safety requirements must be observed.
For example, you cannot launch them in the immediate vicinity of airports and fire-hazardous structures, including in cities, settlements, and near forests. To avoid fires, do not use flashlights in windy weather.
Launching sky lanterns is prohibited in many countries. The metal frame from fallen lanterns leads to the death of livestock, which eats the wire along with the hay; dogs on a walk injure their paws with this wire. Candles that do not have time to go out before landing set fire to thatched roofs and even destroy entire fields. There are known cases of a power plant failing and a fire breaking out in a residential building, leading to the death of people.
For the mass launch of flashlights on Russian territory, in accordance with the Air Code, permission from air traffic authorities is required, due to the possible danger to aviation flights.
Mass launches require approvals from local authorities, like other mass events. Such actions can create copious amounts of waste scattered over a large area.
There is a particularly lack of romance in the relationships of modern young people. That’s why it’s so important to do small, simple and very pleasant things to please your loved ones. We suggest you have a romantic date with the launch of sky lanterns.
You can launch lanterns at any time of the year. Virtually no restrictions on weather conditions. You won't be able to light Chinese lanterns unless there is a strong wind or rain. For a surprise, you need to prepare - choose an open area and buy sky lanterns. The number of lanterns for a romantic gift depends on your desires and capabilities. You can even launch just one Chinese lantern and make one wish for two (for example, to always be together and love each other). Then you can stand huddled close to each other and admire how a piece of the light of your love rises higher and higher into the sky. This simple and very touching surprise is 100% guaranteed to captivate your beloved.
If you want to give your loved one all the stars and the whole world in addition, order a mass launch of sky lanterns from a holiday organization agency. Or just make an agreement with your friends - they will probably agree to help organize such a spectacular light show. At the appointed time, approximately 2-3 minutes after lighting the burners on the lanterns, take your girlfriend to the platform, which will offer a gorgeous view of the sky with Chinese lanterns rising up. Before this, you can blindfold her with a scarf or a soft, opaque bandage and whisper romantic words in her ear. After that, wait until the first lanterns launched by your friends begin to appear on the horizon, and untie the eyes of your beloved girl. The effect of surprise and genuine delight are guaranteed to you!
With the help of glowing lanterns, you can propose to your beloved girl in an original and romantic way. The dome of the lanterns is made of thin paper, which allows you to apply an image either by printing or manually using special ink. Make a heart-shaped lantern with the inscription: “I love you! Marry me!". After the burner begins to flare up and the flashlight is filled with light, your girlfriend will read the inscription rising into the heights of the night. Such a romantic act cannot but please your chosen one.
Alternatively, you can prepare two more sky lanterns for her answer. You can write on them “Yes, I agree!” or “I need to think.” Then give the girl the right to choose which of the flashlights to launch in response to your proposal. After this, kneeling down, put on your beloved ring as a sign of engagement. You can additionally prepare a bottle of champagne, two wine glasses and other romantic paraphernalia. Just imagine how amazing it would be to admire the light of a sky lantern together, especially if she answered “Yes”!
This is interesting! sky lantern (whale:孔明灯 )
Just imagine, if the very first Sky Lantern had survived to our time, its age today would be almost two thousand years. The invention of light lanterns soaring into the sky under the influence of heated air is attributed to the Chinese general Zhuge Liang (who had the honorary title of Kunming in China), who used them in his military campaigns at the beginning of the third century AD.
Some may think that Sky lanterns- this is something new and original, and how could Sky Lanterns used today for the entertainment of children and adults help in waging bloody battles? It turns out that there are a lot of people. To begin with, let us remember how limited the capabilities of our ancestors were in communications. Use of the lungs Sky Lanterns, quickly rising into the air and clearly visible from a distance, perfectly helped the forward detachments to warn the rear of the enemy’s approach, to give various orders to generals, and to report to soldiers that help was required. The spy airship was the most strategic element in Ancient China. Sky Lanterns were actively used for military purposes not only to intimidate the enemy, but also as a means of transmitting signals or the start of an offensive. A few minutes until flying lantern was in the air, it was enough to transmit any information. First Sky lanterns were oil lamps mounted under a paper bag. The huge bag filled with hot air and rose upward. The general’s enemies did not understand what kind of unusual glow appeared in the air at night, they were seized with panic, and they left the battlefield, believing that the general was being helped by a mystical force. Soon flying into the sky Chinese lanterns began to be used for purely peaceful purposes. Considering the spiritual sphere of life as something higher, both high-ranking and ordinary Chinese used Sky lanterns
as a man-made bridge between the earthly and heavenly worlds. A kind of “hello” to the heavenly world. Those who flew away Sky lanterns carried the dreams and desires of thousands of people beyond the clouds many, many years ago. So they became one of the obligatory attributes at every holiday. Believing that Sky Lanterns bring good luck, the Chinese launched them at weddings, religious celebrations and other holidays. At a later time launch flying lanterns in China it also acquired religious significance. The symbolism of launching Sky Lanterns quickly spread throughout the world, for example, the peoples of Asia believe that a lantern launched into the sky frees people from various misfortunes and diseases, and gives them a long and happy life. Believing that they brought good luck, they were launched at weddings, funerals and simply mass festive events. In peacetime, ordinary people used Sky lanterns to convey your prayers and wishes. By launching lanterns into the sky, they wanted to be better heard. In addition, the launch of Chinese flying lanterns accompanied both small family holidays and large festivals, uniting people, making them kinder and closer to each other.
Sky Lanterns come in different sizes - from very small to very huge, up to 10 meters high. Different shapes - in the form of cones, balls, hearts and dragons. White and multi-colored, with various inscriptions and images. Sky Lantern is a simplified model of a hot air balloon. The simplicity of its design is explained by its disposability and low cost. The first Chinese flying lanterns were made from a bamboo frame with a holder for a wax burner, on which a rice paper dome was placed. Special role Sky lanterns play in Asian culture. Here, they symbolize good luck and prosperity. That is why, in most Asian countries, Sky Lanterns are an indispensable attribute of wedding ceremonies. Sky Lanterns are used during holidays, festivals, and celebrations. Regardless of time, it has always been believed that flying lanterns keep good luck. It was believed that the longer the flashlight is in the air, the more good luck it will bring, protect against problems, and take away all the bad things with it. They also said that if Buddhist monks with Heavenly Lanterns received wisdom and new knowledge, and for ordinary people, the light of the lantern pointed the way to truth and justice.
Then they found another use - Sky Lanterns became decorations for holiday celebrations and festivals; children began to use them at various carnivals. In particular, in the Middle Ages in China, neither the New Year, nor religious holidays, nor weddings, nor any other mass celebrations could do without Sky Lanterns, as now, for example, like the mid-autumn lantern festival. The 15th day of the 8th month according to the Chinese calendar falls on the full moon. The Lantern Festival falls at the end of the Chinese New Year and at its core is also a celebration of the full moon, but this time the first of the new year. This day is considered the beginning of a new year and flying lanterns a special place is reserved here, since it is customary to greet the new moon with thousands of colorful lights. In Chinese culture there is a belief that when you start Sky lanterns They take away evil spirits and misfortunes with them, and leave luck and prosperity for those who launch them into the sky. By the way, this is why flying lanterns are often called Chinese. Subsequently, Sky Lanterns were included in the programs of the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Lantern Festival. Pingxi in Taipei County, Taiwan holds an annual Lantern Festival where Sky Lanterns are traditionally launched into the sky. Festivals are also held in other countries. One of the countries most frequently using Sky lanterns, is Thailand. Residents of the Lanna kingdom (northern Thais) use Sky Lanterns throughout the year in various celebrations. One such festival is the very important festival of the Lanna kingdom "Yi Peng" (Thai:ยี่เป็ง ), which is held on the full moon of the second month of the Lanna calendar ("Yi" means "second", "Peng" means "month" in Lanna language). Due to the difference between the old Lanna calendar and the traditional central Thai calendar, this event coincides with the Loi Krathong festival, which is held on the full moon of the twelfth month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. During the Yi Peng Festival there are many Sky Lanterns sent on an air voyage. At this time, flying lanterns resemble a large herd of giant jellyfish, gracefully floating across the sky. The most elaborate celebrations of the Yi Peng festival can be seen in Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the Lanna kingdom. It is believed that the launch of Sky Lanterns brings good luck, and that a flying Sky Lantern also takes all problems and worries with it. Sky Lanterns became so popular among the Thai population that they were used throughout the country. In Thailand and northern Vietnam, lanterns are launched to protect newlyweds and newborn children from the machinations of evil spirits. In China itself, there is a widespread belief about the symbolism of even individual parts airships of desires. Their dome signifies fullness of knowledge and wisdom, and the flames in the lantern illuminate the path to the right way of life and bright thoughts. When you look at the lanterns floating across the azure blue sky, you understand that the Chinese are right in many ways. At least, I really want to believe in their bright legends
The use of Sky Lanterns as decoration for events and holidays has become commonplace in the 21st century. Mass use of flashlights in Europe and other countries began after 2005. So in 2005, in memory of the victims of the terrible earthquake in the Indian Ocean, which occurred in 2004, 5,000 lanterns were launched.Sky Lanterns are also known by names such as airships of desires, heavenly candle or fireball. The latter term was also applied to military balloons that were used during World War II. At first, Sky Lanterns ( Chinese lanterns) were unpopular among farmers in many countries, since after landing there was a fairly high risk of fields catching fire or even killing livestock. But later, when the technology for producing Sky Lanterns changed, such a danger ceased to exist.Modern lanterns are made from more affordable and versatile materials, for example, mulberry paper is used to make a dome.
Only environmentally friendly materials are used in the production of sky lanterns. The paper dome, wooden frame and organic fuel in the burner are quickly recycled by nature itself and do not pollute the environment.
History of sky lanterns
Chinese masters are responsible for many truly great inventions that have changed the world. Paper, gunpowder (and then fireworks), porcelain, compass, telescope... Even the first toothbrush, according to historians, was also made in Ancient China. The invention of sky lanterns, which have gained unexpected popularity in recent years, is also attributed to ancient Chinese commanders.
History of appearance
Just imagine, if the very first sky lantern had survived to this day, its age today would be almost two thousand years. The invention of light lanterns soaring into the sky under the influence of heated air is attributed to the Chinese general Zhuge Liang, who used them in his military campaigns at the beginning of the 3rd century AD. By the way, this is not surprising, because even today many inventions used by people came into wide use precisely from the military.
How could sky lanterns used today to entertain children and adults help during bloody battles? It turns out that there are a lot of people. First, let's remember how limited our ancestors were in communications. Pigeons, messengers, bonfires, puffs of smoke, huge drums and trumpets - these were the advanced communication technologies of those times. The use of light sky lanterns, quickly rising into the air and clearly visible from a distance, perfectly helped forward troops to warn the rear of the approaching enemy, give various orders to generals, report to soldiers that help was required, and so on.
The military also had another purpose for sky lanterns. The fact is that times were dark, and the enemies of the Chinese people were just as dark and superstitious. Therefore, for a very long time, just launching sky lanterns was enough for Chinese officers to put to flight the enemies of the empire, who feared heavenly punishment more than fire, the signs of which they saw in strange luminous objects.
Soon, lanterns flying into the sky began to be used for purely peaceful purposes. Living in a deep inner world, both high-ranking and ordinary Chinese used sky lanterns as a man-made bridge between the earthly and heavenly worlds. Flying away sky lanterns carried the dreams and desires of thousands of people beyond the clouds many, many years ago. So they became one of the obligatory attributes at every holiday. Believing that sky lanterns bring good luck, the Chinese launched them at weddings, religious celebrations and other holidays.
Heavenly or Chinese?
Sky lanterns are sometimes confused with such traditional Chinese artistic products as Chinese lanterns. The latter became widespread along with Buddhism, since the lighting of hanging paper lanterns was considered a sign of veneration of Buddha. Chinese lanterns have a fundamental difference from sky lanterns in that they are simply hung as decorations outdoors and indoors. Sky lanterns have a completely different design and are used to launch into the sky.
How do sky lanterns work?
A sky lantern is a simplified model of a hot air balloon. The simplicity of its design is explained by its disposability and low cost. The first Chinese sky lanterns were made from a bamboo frame with a holder for a wax burner, on which a rice paper dome was placed. Modern lanterns are made from more affordable and versatile materials, for example, mulberry paper is used to make a dome.
As we have already said, sky lanterns rise into the air according to the principle of a hot air balloon. A burner attached to the bottom heats up the air in the dome, which tends to rise upward and carries the entire structure with it. The living fire of the burner not only heats the air for ascent, but also creates a mysterious illumination of the lantern flying into the sky.
Only environmentally friendly materials are used in the production of sky lanterns. The paper dome, wooden frame and organic fuel in the burner are quickly recycled by nature itself and do not pollute the environment.
Some technical characteristics of sky lanterns
The weight of an average flashlight when assembled is 200-250 grams. The fuel in the burner is usually enough for 15-20 minutes of flight. When the fuel element burns out, the flashlight slowly falls to the ground. During its flight, the sky lantern manages to rise to a height of 200 to 500 meters. If the launch is made in the dark, then the luminous dome of the flashlight is visible several kilometers away. At the same time, hundreds and thousands of people can watch a light flashlight flying into the sky, so they are a universal means of entertainment, along with fireworks and fireworks.
Types of sky lanterns
The classic shape of sky lanterns was the cylinder. In Ancient China, such lanterns were the easiest to make, and therefore the cheapest. However, the Chinese have always been masters of creating shows, so they raised triangles, balls, and even entire paper dragons into the sky.
Modern flashlights also most often have the shape of a cylinder or a “diamond” that expands at the top. Their height is on average 1 meter. They are the easiest to manufacture, therefore they are the most inexpensive and popular model. Any images and inscriptions can be applied to the paper from which the dome is made, so sky lanterns are used on the occasion of a variety of celebrations.
Heart-shaped sky lanterns are also popular. They are used at weddings and just on romantic dates.
Lanterns in the shape of various animals are made for children. These can be bunnies, cats and other popular and recognizable characters.
For sporting events, for example, lanterns in the shape of a soccer ball can be used. Sky lanterns of other types are also made, for example, in the shape of a flying saucer or an alien head. There is a lot of room left for your imagination.
Some rules of use
Both adults and children can launch sky lanterns; no special knowledge or permission is required. This can be done at any time of the year, regardless of the air temperature. However, you need to know a few simple rules for using them.
- The flight time of a flashlight depends on its weight and size, weather and amount of fuel;
- Sky lanterns should be launched in the absence of strong wind and at a distance from fire-hazardous buildings and structures;
- Flashlights are launched at a distance of 1.5 km or more from airports;
- You should not hang additional objects on the lanterns;
- When starting the flashlights, it is not allowed to use fuel other than the one included in the factory configuration.
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