1. History of Lanterns

Lanterns, also known as “flower lanterns” in Chinese tradition, have a history of more than a thousand years. They first appeared during the Eastern Han Dynasty, when Buddhism flourished in China. Lighting lanterns on the 15th day of the first lunar month was a way to symbolize the light of the Buddha’s teachings. Over time, this practice evolved into a nationwide festival.

During the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the capital city of Chang’an was illuminated with countless lanterns during the Lantern Festival, creating a spectacular sight. From the Song Dynasty onward, lanterns became not only religious offerings but also a form of popular entertainment and folk art.

Throughout history, lanterns have symbolized blessings, reunion, and joy. Each dynasty produced distinctive lantern styles: the Tang Dynasty favored massive lantern towers, the Song Dynasty saw the rise of revolving lanterns, and the Ming and Qing dynasties introduced symbolic lanterns such as zodiac animals, lotus flowers, and dragon-and-phoenix motifs.

2. Lanterns in Asian Culture

Lantern culture is not unique to China; it spread across Asia and took on diverse local forms, reflecting shared values of light, hope, and blessing:

• Hoi An Lantern Festival in Vietnam: On full moon nights, locals release floating lanterns into the river to pray for peace and happiness, a tradition influenced by Chinese lantern customs.

• Yi Peng Festival in Thailand: In Chiang Mai, thousands of sky lanterns are released into the night sky, echoing Chinese mid-autumn and lantern traditions, symbolizing wishes and letting go of worries.

• Nebuta / Obon Lantern Festivals in Japan: Lanterns are used in ancestor worship and summer celebrations, carrying the belief that light guides spirits home.

• Yeondeunghoe in Korea: A lantern festival held to celebrate the birth of the Buddha, where lotus-shaped lanterns symbolize enlightenment and compassion.

These examples show how lanterns have become a shared cultural symbol across Asia, representing light, reunion, and the pursuit of blessings.

3. Modern Decorative Lanterns

With advances in craftsmanship and technology, modern lanterns have expanded beyond traditional forms. They retain their cultural meaning while incorporating LED technology, interactive design, and large-scale installations. Here are some popular types of modern lanterns:

Dragon and Phoenix Lanterns
Among the most iconic in large-scale lantern displays, dragon lanterns are majestic in form, often in gold and red to symbolize power and prosperity. Phoenix lanterns, with colorful wings, signify harmony and beauty. These are ideal for plazas, parades, and city festivals.

Lotus Lanterns
Rooted in Buddhist culture, lotus lanterns represent purity and peace. Modern lotus lanterns often float on water, made with waterproof LED lights and eco-friendly materials. At night, they create a galaxy-like effect across lakes, widely used in lantern festivals and scenic spots.

Revolving Lanterns (Zou Ma Deng)
Traditional revolving lanterns used candle heat to spin paper shadows, creating dynamic images. Modern versions use LED lights and electric motors, capable of projecting stories, animations, or branding messages. These are popular in exhibitions and theme parks for their interactivity.

Animal-Themed Lanterns
Lanterns shaped like zodiac animals or auspicious creatures are perennial favorites. For example, rabbit lanterns during the Year of the Rabbit or dragon lanterns in the Year of the Dragon. Today, factories combine metal frames, silk, and LED strips to make these lanterns more realistic and dazzling, often featured in New Year or international lantern festivals.

Creative and Technological Lanterns
Modern lanterns also integrate sound, light, and digital technology.

• Programmable LED matrix lanterns display changing colors and patterns.

• Interactive sensor lanterns light up or play music when people pass by.

• Projection-integrated lanterns display moving images on their surfaces.

These innovations make lanterns suitable not only for traditional festivals but also for commercial real estate, brand promotions, and international tourism projects.

4. Lighting Up Culture and the Future

From their origins in Han and Tang dynasties’ religious practices, to mass entertainment in later dynasties, and now to international art exhibitions, lanterns have always symbolized light and good fortune. More importantly, they serve as a shared cultural bond across Asia, linking diverse traditions with common values of brightness, blessing, and reunion.

Modern lanterns combine traditional craftsmanship with new technology, carrying forward symbolic meanings while meeting the demands of cityscapes, tourism, and commercial events.

As a manufacturer, we offer a wide range of custom lantern products: dragon-and-phoenix lanterns, lotus lanterns, revolving lanterns, animal-shaped lanterns, and interactive LED lanterns. These are ideal for city festivals, cultural tourism destinations, and commercial spaces.

Contact us for detailed catalogs and wholesale solutions — together, let’s light up your own lantern festival.