Pingxi Sky Lanterns Introduction
Heaven, in folk customs, is considered the dwelling place of the Heavenly Palace, where the highest-ranking deity in popular belief, the Jade Emperor (commonly known as Tiangong), along with various gods, resides to protect all people. Therefore, in earlier times, people would worship heaven to seek blessings from Tiangong. For the Han people, heaven symbolizes the protection of all beings and an omnipotent deity. Sky lanterns, also known as Kongming lanterns, are said to have been invented by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period. Legend has it that Zhuge Liang was trapped in Pingyang City by Sima Yi and was unable to communicate with the outside world. He invented large lanterns that utilized the principle of hot air rising to float into the sky as a means of military communication. This practice later spread to the public as a medium for people to pray for blessings from heaven. During the Lantern Festival, launching sky lanterns symbolizes the idea of "communicating with heaven," seeking blessings from Tiangong. The tradition of releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi dates back to the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. Residents in the Pingxi area, troubled by banditry and chaos, sought refuge in the mountains. Once the crisis passed, those who remained in the village released sky lanterns as a signal to inform their families to return home safely. This practice became a local custom after stability was restored. Villagers often write blessings and wishes on the lanterns, which are released during the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the lunar new year to wish for the realization of their desires and to have their families protected by the gods of heaven. Thus, sky lanterns are also referred to as "blessing lanterns" or "peace lanterns." Pingxi Shifen in New Taipei City, surrounded by mountains and with an average humidity of 75-80%, has a naturally rainy and humid environment, making it the only place recognized by the local government as safe for releasing sky lanterns. It is this unique environment that has allowed this traditional culture to be preserved and continued in different forms. (Source: New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival official website)
