PLEASE NOTE: We ONLY sell fireworks to persons aged 18 years or over
Chinese Sky Lanterns
Sky Lanterns originated in China at around the turn of the 3rd Century. Only recently have they become popular in the UK, leading to many reports of "UFOs". The Chinese originally used them as a military signalling system but they soon became popular at festivals for their spectacular display in the night sky .
Traditionally the lanterns, the earliest form of hot air balloons, were constructed from oiled rice paper on a bamboo frame containing a small candle. The candle heated the air inside the lantern, making it less dense and causing the lantern to rise into the sky. The people of the Nazca region of Peru also used Sky Lanterns 1500 years ago but the concept of the hot air balloon didn't reach Europe until the 18th century.
Sky Lanterns are popular for use in festivals across the East and are thought to bring good luck and fortune as, when the lantern rises, it takes away all troubles and worries and floats them into the sky.
In Thailand the popular Loy Krathong festival is celebrated on the full moon of the twelfth month (Thai Lunar calendar) and people gather on the riverbanks to float flowers and candles setting off fireworks as well as releasing sky lanterns.
The Sky Lanterns we sell are a modern version of the traditional ones with flame-retardant paper and an improved heat source. They will fly for several minutes, only falling to earth once the flame burns out.
