Recently, for the birthday of my wife, Carol, I arranged for her to fulfill a long-held desire—to participate in a Lantern Festival. If you are not familiar with a Lantern Festival, it’s when a gathering of people simultaneously release illuminated paper lanterns into the sky. The lanterns themselves can be quite large—as large as 3 feet tall by 2 feet wide. At the bottom of each lantern is a combustible material. And when the material is lit, it not only illuminates the lantern, but it also fills it with hot air. Eventually the lantern becomes light enough to rise up into the sky and float away—just like a hot air balloon.
Some festivals are attended by dozens of people. Some are
attended by hundreds. Our event was attended by thousands—more than 6,000, it
is said. From pictures and videos I had seen, I knew that the releasing of the
lanterns would be beautiful. But when the moment came to release our lanterns,
I was surprised by the emotions that overcame both Carol and me. In fact, we
were both touched to the point of tears.
So why did we experience such strong feelings? Well, there
is something I didn’t mention about the preparation of the lanterns. Before the
lanterns are inflated, each person writes upon it his or her dreams, goals, prayers,
or affirmations. Some people express desires for a better house, a perfect job,
or a loving relationship. Others seek abundance, happiness, or a healing. And
some write down messages to loved ones who have left this plane of existence.
When each person lets go of his or her lantern, allowing it
to rise high into the sky, it is a symbolic way of releasing his or her heartfelt
desires and prayers into the care of a Higher Power. Imagine being surrounded by
thousands of people of every imaginable walk of life, all joined by one
common wish—the wish to live a more fulfilling and joyful life. And imagine
being surrounded by thousands of people of every imaginable color and
creed, all joined by one common faith—the faith that we live in an
intelligent, creative, and loving Universe that knows what our dreams are, that
hears our prayers, and responds to them.
It has been a long time since I have experienced such a
profound sense of universal unity. And I suppose that is what brought tears to
my eyes, and to Carol’s eyes, as well. It was truly a moving moment, which was made
even more moving by the inspiring songs that were being played during the
release, such as “Imagine” by John Lennon, and “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban.
If you would like to attend a Lantern Festival near you, I
invite you to visit this website: www.thelanternfest.com. It will be an experience
you will never forget—an experience that is as inspiring as it is illuminating.
Steven
© 2016 by Steven Lane Taylor
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Here’s a video of the moment Carol released her lantern:
