Ancient paper lanterns find their roots in China and Japan. But presently, many people like them regardless of regional barriers and use them to decorate many events.

The illuminative paper lanterns of China are typically positioned on the floor or strung up dangling and lit up. These paper lanterns are found in various forms. Some are round while some others are in circular and other shapes.Though conventionally paper lanterns are made of white paper, people now use many hues in making them.Chinese illuminative lanterns are made in roughly five different categories. They are labelled as “baby’s bottom”, “tomato light”, “Buddha’s gastronomy”, “tomato lights” and “crystal magic”.

Lanterns of the first category are typically used to decorate religious places on numerous occasions. Crystal magic lanterns live up to their name with bright illuminations and come in various different forms. The large, oval-shaped lanterns are the tomato lights. The colour used for this type is red while rolling paper lanterns remind us of the shape of large canisters.

The places that these are popularly found in are bars and eateries, while at Christmas time baby’s bottom lanterns can frequently be observed as decorative lights. They are not so big when compared with the others. Japanese paper lanterns are mainly circular in shape, although many other shapes can be found. Generally white is the colour used, though red is not uncommon.

There is not much difference between Chinese and Japanese lanterns as many different colours are used in the making of both types. Unlike in the past, decorative paper lanterns are now used for many occasions and they come with various encouraging phrases on them as well. Since kanji is identical to Chinese letters, it is difficult to distinguish Chinese paper lanterns from Japanese.

Illuminative paper lanterns have come to be hugely popular as festive decor. Whether they are used internally or externally, decorative paper lanterns increase festive cheer and help to sooth your mind enhancing the festival or occasion you are at.

Cody Scholberg, a lighting expert, writes about paper lanterns. Check out this post on using chinese paper lanterns !