JOIN USFor travellers and art buffs who are in search of good luck charms, a visit to the famed Lantern Festival in Taiwan is an experience of a lifetime. It gives an opportunity to explore the exotic culture of Taiwan and a must-visit is the mining town of Pingxi on the upper reaches of River Keelung in the eastern part of New Taipei City. Pingxi has an age-old association with sky lanterns dating back to the 19th century. Much to the delight of art lovers, Pingxi has a whole range of beautifully-crafted traditional lanterns.
The Lantern Festival is by far the most significant and romantic event of Taiwan that is observed on the first full-moon night of the lunar year in February. Historically, lanterns were discovered during the reign of the Chinese Emperor, Kung Ming, sometime between 181 AD and 234 AD. Lanterns were also used as a mode of communication.
At Pingxi, one comes across sky lanterns considered as good luck charms that float in the sky bearing the hopes and wishes of thousands of visitors. The releasing of the lanterns is a sight to behold. There are scores of miniature, glittering decorative lanterns based on local customs that make perfect souvenirs and gift items for tourists. The town has a number of shops that provide support to tourists to make their own lanterns.
Tiny lanterns are not heavy on the pocket, but reasonably priced. Check into Tian Ding handicraft workshop that creates a wide array of fascinating lanterns. These polygon-shaped lanterns are crafted from yellow pieces of joss paper and are done up with tassels that hang below. Some Chinese symbols and motifs are sketched on the paper. These lanterns are replete with small bulbs that glow every now and then and are used to adorn the living rooms or prayer rooms as auspicious embellishments. Lantern making has given a big boost to tourism and the economic development of Pingxi that forms the seat of lantern craft in Taiwan.
In an attempt to motivate craftsmen, lantern making competitions are hosted every year. Some of the craftsmen have been involved in this art form for over 70 years now, while some are fourth-generation ones.
The lanterns of Pingxi have collectors from all across the globe and the heavily decorated lanterns may cost a few thousand dollars. Sky lanterns cost around NT $200 and are made of four pieces of thin paper that are glued together. There are frames to hold the paper pieces and are made of thin steel wires that are covered with oil paper or tissue. The lantern has a paper ball dipped in kerosene oil, and when lighted, hot air fills up the lantern, rising it up in the sky.