The History of Chinese Sky Lanterns

The history of Chinese Lanterns is very interesting. In Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, the Sky Lanterns are known as “Khoom Fay” or “Khom Loy". Traditional Northern Thai (Lanna) people use Sky Lanterns all year round, for Spiritual celebrations and other special occasions, one particular festival, the Loi Kratong festival or Yipeng Lantern festival in which; couples and loved ones gather on the riverbanks to float handmade flower arrangements (Kratong), and release 'Khoom Fay’ together. This is usually held during the full moon of the twelfth lunar month in the Buddhist Calendar, normally in November.

It is considered good luck to release a 'Kratong' and 'Khoom Fay’, as many Thai people, especially Buddhists, believe they are symbolic of your problems and worries floating away. It is tradition to offer the lanterns to Temples and monks, as givers believe they will receive enlightenment in return, as the flame of the lantern is said to symbolize wisdom. The lantern's light shows them to the 'right path'.

Sky Lanterns date back hundreds of years, since armies deployed them as signalling devices, which were then later adopted by common folk, who used them to convey their wishes to Heaven.

Sky Candle offer both natural Chinese Lantern packs and mixed packs of coloured sky lanterns. At Sky Candle, we also have a large range of Wedding Sky lanterns for you to consider. In addition to this, you will also find candle bags which are great for lining the pathways and entrances, or to put onto tables.