How to Make Paper Chinese Lanterns

One of the numerous colorful paper lantern shops in Hoi An, Vietnam

How To Make Paper Chinese Lanterns

Centuries ago, paper Chinese lanterns were the symbols of a long life and good luck. The lantern festival, which originated around 230 BC, was a festival in which people would hold their lanterns high hoping to catch a glimpse of their deceased family members as they crossed over to heaven.

Evolution Of The Chinese Lantern

Over many years, people have used paper Chinese lanterns for many different occasions. Typically, these were occasions of significance, such as deaths, births and weddings. People have also used them as a form of communication for the military and to signify wealth. The larger lanterns displayed significant wealth, whereas, smaller ones displayed moderate wealth. Today, people simply use these lanterns as lovely decorations for festive celebrations.

Making A Basic Paper Chinese Lantern

People will need the following items to make a basic paper Chinese lantern: 2 standard-sized pieces of construction paper (for 1 lantern), a stapler, scissors, scotch tape, a pencil, a ruler, glitter, Elmer's glue and any other decorations they may want. Once people have gathered all the materials they need, they should first cut a one inch strip of construction paper for the handle of the lantern.

Now, they need to fold the other piece of construction paper in half long-wise, running their nail along the fold to make it sharp. Starting about an inch down from the top, they should then begin cutting along the folded edge about every two inches, leaving another inch at the bottom.

They should not cut all across the paper. They need to leave about 1 inch uncut.

Once people have finished making their cuts, they can then unfold the paper, shaping it into a lantern and taping the uncut sides together. To finish the lantern off, the handle is securely stapled across the top of the lantern, and people can decorate the lantern using the glue and glitter or any other decorations they may wish to use. The lantern can then be hung from a ceiling or archway with a string or piece of yarn.

Decorate the lantern using glue and glitter or any other decorations