Flying Sky Lanterns in Shifen, Taiwan
Stop, admire the photograph in front of you. Look up, and see sky lanterns dancing in the skies, both far and near. A different array of colors, red, yellow, blue, or even multi-colored, Shifen’s skies are never bare. Years ago, sky lanterns were released by courageous villagers who stayed behind, when their village was ransacked. They released these lanterns to convey a message that it was safe to come home.
Today, sky lanterns are released in order for wishes to come true. But what happens after we wish? Try to enjoy the cool climate and foggy skies of Shifen. Soon enough, you’ll see lanterns not only flying up, but some that also fall from the air. Its candle telling us that it’s already time to let gravity take over. Soon enough, you’ll see an Auntie, gathering the remains of the sky lanterns and disposing it properly.
What then happens to the wishes? Is that it? Tourists, when in Taiwan, come to Shifen to light up their wishes. Do their wishes die with those sky lanterns that the Auntie picks up using her rod? While looking at sky lanterns, I have come to believe that these signify our dreams, but we should never use this as an excuse to sit back and watch dreams turn to reality.
The lantern I held and set free with my hands isn’t a miracle. It’s that starting point I need to fuel up the lantern deep in my heart, allowing it to float up and make those wishes a part of my tomorrow.
Words and Photos by Caryllane Ang
About the writer
Caryllane Ang, 17 years old and an incoming first year university student. A student journalist, but likes to think that her writing improves as experience shakes her up even more.
Check out her other works: Pieces by Caryllane Ang
You can also follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angcaryllane/
I have never been to Taiwan but it is very high on my bucket list. For today’s blog post, I ask my childhood friend, Caryllane Ang, to share her experience in Taiwan so that you guys would have an idea if you are planning a trip to Taiwan soon.
Check out other things to do in Shifen:
Check out also my other travels:
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Fae Celine
Ever since starting her travel blog on April 2019, Fae has loved taking photographs of new places and sharing them online. Now, in her 20s, take a peek in her life as she pulls you into a world of travel, food and lifestyle.
16 Comments
Kavitha
These lanterns should be taken as motivation or just fun. We should not sit back and wait for our dreams to come true. We should work for our dreams and goals.
Vannie
I have been wanting to do this too, can’t wait to travel more
Janell
Beautiful lanterns! I love the history behind them and current meaning. Wishes are just that . . . dreams. Only you can make them a reality.
Fran Jorgensen
I would love to have my own flying lanterns! I wonder where can I find them? What a fun day in Taipei!
Stephanie
I never knew the history of the lanterns. I hadn’t really seen them until watching the movie Tangled since they aren’t very popular in the US. I’m so glad to hear that someone is collecting and disposing of them properly because I hate seeing things like this, or balloon releases that then get left to fall somewhere that animals get tangled up in them.
pooja Malkani
Wow! these lanterns would be so much fun. I wish I could do this. The flying lanterns looks so beautiful and signifies that life is all about flying and growing.
Laura
Wow that looks like a lot of fun! How nice! Looking forward to reading more about your travels.
Crystal
I’ve always wanted to attend somewhere that has flying lanterns! It’s just such a beautiful sight to see. My dad recently passed and I would like to have these at his memorial service. They’re just such a beautiful sign of hope to me.
Elizabeth O
What a beautiful tradition to experience. I would love to take part in this some day.
Maysz
I’ve always wanted to go to Taiwan for Flying Sky Lanterns it looks a lot of fun and enjoys! Awesome photos!
Nati
What an incredible experience, that’s definitely on my list! Love the way you were able to paint the picture.
Holly
Oh how pretty. This looks like such a fun experience. I’d love to see the lanterns.
Pauline
This is really interesting. I love learning all the little things other countries are doing. I love the idea of doing this. In my husband family, they send lanterns to loved ones who are no longer with us, on their birthday to wish them Happy Birthday. They write messages and send them. I also knew people do that at weddings but I never heard of it for Wishes. It’s pretty neat!
Fran Jorgensen
I love this experience and the symbolisms behind the lantern! I hope we get to do this more often in Australia!
Julien
Thanks for sharing the original history and meaning behind these sky lanterns. So interesting to hear the backstory since they are now so popular around the world. On the island of Cozumel, Mexico many families release them on New Year’s Eve with a wish.
Jan
Oh what fun! I love the idea of flying the sky lanterns. Also we get to make a wish! It’s a lot like flying colorful kites, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing. 🙂