Have you ever heard of a sky lantern? These gently floating, graceful, and elegant paper lanterns have become a must-have for weddings, birthdays, and other special events. Yet Halloween may just be the most fun time of year to make a real splash with sky lanterns.

Whether you prefer grinning, friendly pumpkins for a kids’ trick or treat party, or are looking for grimacing jack-o-lanterns to add an air of fright to an adult costume ball, Halloween sky lanterns are perfect for any spooky outdoor event. They seem to defy the laws of gravity as they float gently into the air, casting an eerie light over their surroundings. Here’s what you should know.

Light up your halloween with sky laterns - Dynamite Fireworks

History of Sky Lanterns

Although it may be hard to believe, sky lanterns actually got their start in the Chinese military. According to legend, military strategist Kongming, who lived from 181-234 AD, was surrounded by enemy troops. He had the idea to make a tiny paper balloon bearing a message that explained his predicament. The balloon was retrieved by friendly troops, and Kongming was rescued. Today, sky lanterns are also known in China as Kongming lanterns.

Eventually, like the military rockets that became civilian fireworks, sky lanterns became a part of important Asian festivities. By the early 16th century, they had made their way to Brazil and Portugal as well. Today, sky lanterns are popular across the world, with huge launches at public gatherings and smaller backyard launches at private affairs.

How Sky Lanterns Work

The traditional Asian method of creating sky lanterns involves attaching oiled rice paper to a bamboo frame. Latin American sky lanterns use thin, translucent paper known as silk paper, which is mounted to a frame of bamboo or wire.

Modern sky lanterns, however, take advantage of new high-tech materials. Halloween sky lanterns are made of dazzling orange paper or thin fabric imprinted with impressive-looking jack-o-lantern faces. They are treated for fire resistance, and those sold in the United States must pass rigorous safety codes. Regardless of the materials, though, all sky lanterns are still powered by either a small candle or a wax fuel cell.

At their heart, sky lanterns are tiny hot air balloons, and they work exactly the same way. Warm air is less dense than cold air, giving it a lower mass per unit volume. At room temperature, one cubic foot of air weighs roughly 28 grams, or one ounce. When heated by 100 degrees F, it weighs only about 21 grams. This causes warm air to rise.

The sky lantern has only a small opening at the bottom for air to escape. When the candle or wax fuel cell is lit, it warms the air inside the lantern. This creates lift, which cause it to rise, and buoyancy, which keeps it gently suspended in the air. When the fuel source burns out, the lantern gently lands. Sky lanterns typically fly for 5 to 10 minutes, and can reach heights of more than 1000 feet, depending on weather conditions.

Safe Sky Lantern Launching

Although modern sky lanterns are designed to minimize fire dangers, it is still important to make safety your top priority. Only launch your sky lanterns in a clear, open area that is free from debris, dry grass, and other hazards. Stay away from airports, where the sky lanterns could cause confusion for pilots.

Never launch sky lanterns in wind conditions higher than a 2 on the Beaufort scale, or about 11 mph. Any higher wind speed could cause your lanterns to dramatically blow off course.

Be sure to check your local and state laws. Due to fire risks, some locales have banned sky lanterns. Others ban them during periods of drought. If your state and city allow them, though, Halloween sky lanterns are an incredible way to add some spooky atmosphere to any outdoor Halloween party.

At Dynamite Fireworks, we don’t only sell top-quality, name-brand fireworks. We also provide the information you need to know to use them responsibly, legally, and safely. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at (219) 937-4090. We look forward to becoming your one-stop shop for all your fireworks needs!