The Kongming lanterns are small, light, hot air balloons constructed from tissue paper and a bamboo or metal frame.Sky lanterns can be made with household materials for as little as a few dollars.Click here if you would like to learn how to make your own sky lantern.Whether you're launching these balloons for their original purpose as part of certain festive Asian traditions or simply for fun, it's important to observe safety measures to prevent fires and ensure a good time is had by all.
Step 1: You can choose a safe launch site.
Sky lanterns are safe and fun in most cases.The sky lantern climbs gently into the sky, the candle runs out of fuel, and the balloon floats harmlessly to the ground.There's a chance that a sky lantern can burn out of control because they're powered by an open flame.When choosing a launch site, use common sense.Pick a spot that is free from obstruction.Wide open fields and parks are great for this.There should be no trees, roofs, power lines, or other obstructions in the immediate area when you launch your sky lantern.Sky lanterns should not be launched in areas with dry timber.Because of the small risk of fire, it's best not to launch sky lanterns where dead wood, foliage, or grass is present.Though the internal flame has usually burnt out by this point, there's still a risk that embers may remain, as sky lanterns can drift fairly far before they land.Know your local laws.Sky lanterns can be launched in areas that are illegal.Local governments have laws regarding fireworks and other types of entertainment.It's not worth getting fined for obeying these laws.
Step 2: Good weather makes for a good launch.
Sky lanterns provide a beautiful sight for miles around and are meant to hang tranquilly in the sky.During calm, clear, still nights, try to launch sky lanterns.When there's a chance of rain or a strong wind, don't launch sky lanterns.It can be difficult to launch a sky lantern in the first place if the weather is not nice.
Step 3: You can open the lantern.
When you're ready to launch your lantern, make sure the hole at the bottom of the balloon is open and balloon material is secured to the frame.If you haven't done so, you can attach your candle or rag by securing it to the seat at the bottom of the frame.Pull the wires through the center and twist around the fuel source for wire frames.
Step 4: The lantern needs to be filled with air.
Before launching, you want to make sure your balloon is fully inflated so that it doesn't fall apart.It is less likely that the balloon's material will drift over the flame and catch fire if it is easier to get the lantern off the ground.Take the balloon by the bottom of the frame and swing the lantern back and forth until it's full.
Step 5: Light the source of fuel.
It's time to start if you're using a towel, candle, or other fuel source.Light the fuel and let the hot air come from the flame to inflate the balloon.As you wait, hold on to the sides of the balloon to keep it open.Don't be afraid to have a hose or bucket of water on hand if you're worried about the sky lantern collapsing and burning up.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Wait until you feel a gentle upward tug, then let your balloon go, there's no need to throw it.As your sky lantern floats up into the night sky, it should give off a beautiful warm glow.Enjoy this experience.If the thought of watching your sky lantern slowly drift out of view makes you sad, tie a light, non-flammable string to its frame so that you can hold onto it like a kite.
Step 7: It is possible to make a wish.
Sky lanterns have the wishes of the person or family who created them.If you or your family would like to participate in this tradition, you can either write your wish on the material of the lantern or make a wish from the sky.