Before I begin, I am not endorsing any particular lantern festival:  there are a few of these organizers that plan lantern festivals, one being “The Lights Fest”, which is the one that I happened to attend and photograph.

For those unfamiliar with what a lantern festival is, it is a festival to release mini paper lanterns into the sky.  These lanterns work the way hot air balloons work.  The lantern is made from biodegradable paper (kudos to the Lights Fest for being environmentally conscious).  A the bottom of the paper lantern, there is a metal contraption that holds fire.  Once the lantern is lit, the hot air will cause the lantern to rise.

People gather at these festivals will write their personal wishes, dreams, and goals, and release them into the sky, simultaneously.

As modern and trendy as this festival is in the United States, the history of lanterns date back to ancient Chinese history, where it was initially used as a strategic military form of communication. Soon it was incorporated into other festivals throughout Asia where these festivals can symbolize new beginnings.

This was my first time attending one of these, and since I was just a bystander, I did not expect to be emotionally  moved by it. For one, it was a beautiful sight to see, but two, the symbolism.  Perhaps it is the timing of this event coinciding with the end of the year, but as some may see this as sending wishes in the sky,  I saw they symbolism of letting go: to  not cling on to the past, but to look forward to the future.  A lot of us are guilty of clinging on to the past. Perhaps it is something traumatic or negative that is constantly plaguing your mind.  Or perhaps it is something that used to bring you happiness, but is no longer present, and you are clinging on to every last bit to bring it back. Either way,  it is important to let go because clinging on these sentiments will prevent you from moving forward.

To quote Dr. Seuss “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”.  And that is what the Lights Fest Meant to me, to celebrate the past, not to mourn it, and to finally let go so I can pursue new beginnings.