Lanterns in Taiwan

The purpose of lanterns in Taiwan is not only for illumination. There are various kinds of lanterns which depend on different occasions. The purposes of lanterns are included not only weddings and funerals but also spiritual comforting and encouragements. People in Taiwan often write words or drain something containing stories and allusions on lanterns to display their specific purposes. For example, many people crowd into famous temples to join an important folklore in the New Year’s Eves. That is so-called Light Symbolizes of Wisdom. Writing family’s names on a lantern and then hitch it on the wall of temple in order to get smooth, health, and safe in whole year. Another popular folklore is to set flying lantern, so-called Kongming Lantern. People always write their wishes or arguments on the lanterns and then set the lanterns toward sky. Most Taiwanese believe that our wishes can be sent to Gods through this way. Many foreign tourists also join the folklore in Pen-Shi, especially on the Lantern Festival.