Editing Paper lantern (section)

==Origin==
Paper lanterns are likely derived from earlier lanterns that used other types of translucent material like [[silk]], [[Horn (anatomy)|horn]], or animal skin. The material covering was used to prevent the flame in the lantern from being extinguished by wind, while still retaining its use as a light source. [[Paper|Papermaking technology]] originated from China from at least AD 105 during the [[Eastern Han dynasty]],<ref name="tsien"/><ref>Hogben, Lancelot. "Printing, Paper and Playing Cards". Bennett, Paul A. (ed.) ''Books and Printing: A Treasury for Typophiles''. New York: The World Publishing Company, 1951. pp. 15–31. p. 17. & Mann, George. ''Print: A Manual for Librarians and Students Describing in Detail the History, Methods, and Applications of Printing and Paper Making''. London: Grafton & Co., 1952. p. 77</ref> but it is unknown exactly when paper became used for lanterns. Poems about paper lanterns start to appear in Chinese history at around the 6th century.<ref name="tsien">{{cite book|first1=Tsuen-Hsuin|last1=Tsien|editor1-first=Joseph|editor1-last=Needham|title =Science and Civilisation in China|chapter =Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 1: Paper and Printing|publisher =Cambridge University Press|volume = 5|year =1985|page=128|isbn =0521086906}}</ref> Paper lanterns were common by the [[Tang dynasty]] (AD 690–705), and it was during this period that the first annual lantern festival was established.<ref name="tsien"/> From China, it was spread to neighboring cultures in [[East Asia]], [[Southeast Asia]], and [[South Asia]].