Pingxi Sky Lantern Introduction
In folk customs, the sky is considered the dwelling place of the Heavenly Palace, where the highest-ranked deity in popular belief, the Jade Emperor (commonly known as Tiangong), and various gods reside, providing protection to all their subjects. Therefore, early on, people worshipped the heavens, praying for blessings from Tiangong. For Han people, the sky represents a deity that safeguards all beings and is all-powerful. Sky lanterns, also known as Kongming lanterns, are said to have been invented by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period. According to legend, during a situation where Zhuge Liang was trapped in the city of Pingyang by Sima Yi and unable to communicate with the outside world, he invented a large lantern using the principle of hot air rising to send messages. This practice later spread to the masses, becoming a medium for people to pray to the heavens. Releasing sky lanterns during the Lantern Festival symbolizes "reporting to the heavens" and represents blessings to Tiangong. The tradition of releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi dates back to the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. Residents in the Pingxi area, disturbed by banditry, would seek refuge in the mountains. Once the crisis passed, those who stayed in the village would release sky lanterns as a signal to inform their families that it was safe to return home. After the situation stabilized, this practice evolved into a local custom, where villagers often wrote their wishes and prayers on the lanterns. They would release them during the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, praying for the fulfillment of their wishes and for the protection of their families from the heavens. Thus, sky lanterns are also referred to as "blessing lanterns" or "safety lanterns." The Shifen area in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, surrounded by mountains and boasting an average humidity of 75-80%, has a naturally rainy and humid environment. It has become the only place officially recognized by the local government where sky lanterns can be safely released. It is this unique environment that allows this traditional culture to be preserved and continued in a different form. (Source: New Taipei City Shifen Sky Lantern Festival Official Website)
