Sky Lanterns, Firecrackers And Fireworks

Last weekend, I experienced launching, or floating a sky lantern for the first time. Apart from it being the first time I did that, there was nothing exhilarating or exciting in the process.

Firecrackers and fireworks are a big part of Chinese New Year celebrations, and festivals. I remember playing with them when we were young. In those days, there were no high rise buildings. People live in villages and shop-houses. There were plenty of open spaces to play with the firecrackers.

However, the launching of sky lanterns… I am not sure if we had that here in Singapore then. In China, Taiwan and other parts of Asia – yes.

Anyhow, when high rise flats came on the scene, the government banned all forms of fireworks. They were considered fire hazards. Penalties are stiff, for those who are caught selling, or playing with fireworks. For businesses, or organizations who want to use fireworks in their celebrations, they have to apply for permission from the relevant authorities.

Hence, nowadays, firecrackers and fireworks are seen only during big celebrations like the National Day or the Chinese New Year – events organized by the authorities.

So, since we were on holidays, and we had opportunity to have a go at these activities, my mates and I went ahead to have a little fun.

Launching of Sky Lanterns

The basic sky lanterns are made of very thin paper with an opening at the bottom surrounded by a stiff collar to hold the flame source. There are also more elaborate designs.

When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern, thus lowering its density and causing the lantern to rise into the air. The sky lantern is only airborne for as long as the flame stays alight, after which the lantern sinks back to the ground. - Wikipedia

Sky lanterns, once launched, cannot be controlled. So, it is indeed quite a fire hazard, if you think about it. Imagine it failing, and landing in a dry field, or someone’s house, the result could be disastrous. Of course, everyone hopes that it will fly high and far, until the flame burns out.

Before launching the sky lanterns, participants write auspicious words or phrases. Generally, well wishing phrases and wishes. It is believed that the higher and further the sky lantern flies away, the better the chances of the wishes come true. And if it fails to take off, or falls out half way, then it is bad luck. But, I don’t think people nowadays believe that. Maybe they get some satisfaction if it flew high and far, or a bit desolated if it didn't. However, I am sure everything will be forgotten by the next day.

Writing auspicious phrases on the lantern, hoping your wishes come true.

Setting fire to the fuel. Once the lantern is fully inflated, it's ready to be set off.

Firecrackers

This was quite straightforward. Someone lit the fuse, got out of the way while we watched the firecrackers ‘cracked’ and before we knew it, it was over. The firecrackers come in different lengths. The longer they are, the more they cost.

The same goes for fireworks. You lit the fuse and you get out of the way. There are smaller packets, and bigger ones. The more shots in them, the dearer they are.

Fireworks in the distance. They went off intermittently throughout the evening.

I guess we all had fun ‘playing with fire’ that evening. It was something different. We also realized how easy it was to ‘burn’ money. Literally, money went up in smoke, in a couple of seconds. However, it was all part of the holiday fun, but I don’t think any one of us would be in a hurry to repeat the performances.

A video on the launching of sky lantern, or as some would say, floating of sky lantern.