Khoom Fay (Sky Lantern) launching is one of the most renowned folk activities, during the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival in Taiwan. Originating back hundreds of years, sky lanterns were used as signalling devices by armies, and later were adopted by local folk to convey their wishes to the heavens. The locals believed the floating candles offered poignancy and tranquillity, rekindling their ancestral spirits.

Locals believed that the launching of Khoom Fay into the sky would rid them of all their troubles. Moreover, if the lanterns were offered to monks, they would receive wisdom in return as the flame in the lantern was said to symbolise knowledge and the light would guide their life in the right path.

If the Khoom Fay, (made from mulberry paper and a bamboo frame) rose high and travelled far, it would be a sign of prosperity. Khoom Fay can rise as high as 1,000 metres, and can travel vast distances.

In short, the local folk in Asia believed that as the Sky Lantern rose, it takes away their troubles and bring good luck in the future.

The annual Yipeng Lantern Festival is celebrated by millions. Yipeng means the full moon of the twelfth lunar month in the Buddhist calendar (or the second lunar in the Asian calendar). In 2005 (the year of the Sheep) the number of lanterns launched reached 200,000 each floating towards the heavens, each with its own small wish.

The above is just an insight into the history of Khoom Fay (Sky Lanterns). SkyLanternDisplays.com will help you enjoy the Sky Lantern experience.