Pingxi Sky Lantern Introduction
The sky, in folk customs, is considered the abode of the Heavenly Palace, where the highest-ranking deity in folk beliefs, the Jade Emperor (commonly known as Tiāngōng), and other gods reside, protecting all the people. Therefore, early on, people worshipped the heavens and prayed for blessings from Tiāngōng. For Han Chinese, the sky represents the omnipotent god that protects all living beings. Sky lanterns, also known as Kongming lanterns, are said to have been invented by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period. According to legend, when Zhuge Liang was trapped in Pingyang City by Sima Yi and unable to communicate with the outside world, he devised a large lantern that utilized the principle of rising hot air to float into the sky, serving as a means of military communication. This tradition eventually spread to the general populace, becoming a medium for people to pray to the heavens for blessings. During the Lantern Festival, releasing sky lanterns symbolizes "reporting to the heavens," conveying the intention of praying for blessings from Tiāngōng. The origin of sky lanterns in Pingxi can be traced back to the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. Settlers in the Pingxi area, unable to bear the disturbances and chaos caused by bandits, would take refuge in the mountains. After the crisis passed, those who remained in the village used sky lanterns as signals to report their safety, notifying family members to return home. Later, after the situation stabilized, this practice became a local custom. Villagers often write their wishes and prayers on the sky lanterns, releasing them during the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, praying for the fulfillment of their wishes for the year and for blessings of safety for the family. Hence, the sky lantern is also referred to as the "Blessing Lantern" or "Safety Lantern." The Shifen area of Pingxi in New Taipei City, surrounded by mountains and with an average humidity of 75-80%, has a naturally humid environment that is recognized by the local government as the only safe place to release sky lanterns. It is this unique environment that has allowed this traditional culture to be preserved and continued in a distinctive manner. (Source: New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival Official Website)
