Pingxi Sky Lanterns Introduction
In folk customs, the heavens are considered the dwelling place of the Heavenly Palace, where the highest deity in folk belief, the Jade Emperor (commonly known as Tian Gong), and various gods reside to protect all people. Therefore, early on, people worshipped the heavens, praying for blessings from Tian Gong, which for the Han people represented divine protection and omnipotence. Sky lanterns, also known as Kongming lanterns, are said to have been invented by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period. It is believed that during a siege by Sima Yi in Pingyang City, Zhuge Liang created large lanterns using the principle of hot air rising to send military messages, allowing them to float into the sky. This practice later spread to the public as a medium for people to bless the heavens, especially during the Lantern Festival when sky lanterns are released to "reach the heavens and be heard," symbolizing prayers to Tian Gong. The tradition of releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi can be traced back to the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. Residents who settled in the Pingxi area, troubled by banditry, sought refuge in the mountains during crises. Once the danger passed, those who remained in the village would release sky lanterns as a signal of safety, notifying their families to return home. After the situation stabilized, this practice became a local custom, with villagers often writing blessings and wishes on the lanterns. They are released during the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar, to pray for the fulfillment of wishes for the year ahead and to seek blessings for family safety from the celestial beings. Thus, sky lanterns are also referred to as "blessing lanterns" or "peace lanterns". The Shifen area in New Taipei City is uniquely surrounded by mountains and has an average humidity of 75-80%, making it a naturally rainy and humid environment, which has become the only place recognized by the local government as safe for releasing sky lanterns. It is this exceptional environment that has allowed this traditional culture to be preserved and continued in a unique form. (Source: New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival official website)
