Traditional Thai & Chinese sky lanterns, beautifully delicate papery balloons. Sky Lanterns date back to millennia in Thai & Chinese tradition, for the symbolic belief that troubles are carried away with the glowing lantern. They are used during many festivals, with the release of hundreds of lanterns creating an enchanting spectacle. Essentially, they are large, beautifully delicate, papery balloons with a simple card wick suspended in the base. Once this wick is lit, the balloon slowly inflates with hot air until it gently floats into the sky, casting a flickering glow as it rises.