The tradition of releasing Chinese paper lanterns is mysterious, but scholars generally agree that the first paper lanterns were created and launched about 2,000 years ago. They gradually became part of a festival tradition, and people write wishes on the lantern before lighting them and releasing them into the sky, where they float for a few minutes before burning out and returning to the ground.
I spent Independence Day weekend this year down at the Hood Canal with friends and we released our paper lanterns into the sky after dark one evening. I can’t tell you what my wish was, as I’m still waiting for it to come true…
This photo of my friend Brandon releasing a lantern is one of my favorite photos of the year. It reminds me of my new beginning; my chance to this time have my wishes come true.
To you and yours, Merry Christmas.
Wine and History Visited 