Flying lanterns...

I have long since believed that there is nothing that rewinds the clock, takes the mind to an altered state of childhood, to a place of pure joy and happiness than that of a Chinese flying lantern drifting lazily in the sky. It does not seem to matter if these lanterns were a part of your childhood but when you look at it in the sky you have this sense of awe and wonder - like a child seeing something for the very first time!

I have loved, adored and admired the sheer simplicity and brilliance of a Chinese flying lantern. Always wanted to be in a place where 1000's are sent up all at once. I have not yet had the chance... I will one day.

For me a lantern is more than just sending up a pretty something into the night sky and appreciating the beauty of it, no, it is far more than that to me. There is a ritual behind it for me, a wish sent up to the universe, a prayer sent up to God, a well wish on someone, a dedication to a person/s missed. A lantern has so much more meaning than it being a simple decoration that floats.

I have sent up a lantern for a loved on missed, a message to a family member that has passed from this world, a general shout out to anyone who sees it and a message of love, devotion and thanks to God. I start my little ritual by writing a message to the intended recipient, allowing the pen to carry all the emotion that I feel for that person to flow from the tip. I light the wick and wait patiently for the lantern to fill with air, waiting for it to start pulling upwards. Once I am satisfied that the pull is strong enough to keep the lantern afloat - I read the message out loud to the world. Out loud to the person who I intend to read it. Feeling the goose flesh cover my body as I do so - ensuring in my mind that the message will be delivered.

I let the lantern go - watch it float from my hands and watch as my icon, my symbol, my message of love and devotion reach towards the air and get tugged and pulled by the air currents. I get a warm feeling of sheer happiness in my heart, watching in awe as this simple little device floats higher and higher, becoming smaller and smaller, until it is like the stars in the sky. Just a pin-prick on the darkness of the night sky.

Just like that a star is born, a message is delivered and a wish fulfilled.

I have long since believed that there is nothing that rewinds the clock, takes the mind to an altered state of childhood, to a place of pure joy and happiness than that of a Chinese flying lantern drifting lazily in the sky.

Wouldn't you agree?

Keep it sunny-side up readers!
Ry