Sky Lanterns Bear Wishes and Remembrance into Night Sky

Sky lanterns rise above Little Everglades Ranch at The Lights Fest event in Florida.
Credit: Suzette Sherman

There’s something about the glow from a candle that evokes a feeling of warmth and serenity. And when that feeling is multiplied by a mass of glowing sky lanterns rising like a constellation of stars, that sensation becomes pure magic.

Each year during the holiday season, various organizations around the country offer a sky lantern event for people to remember lost loved ones, express hope for the new year and release regrets.

For example, thousands are expected to gather for The Lights Fest on New Year’s Eve at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, Florida.

A participant copies a carefully worded message onto her lantern.
Credit: Suzette Sherman

As participants arrive, they exchange their event ticket for a single lantern (extra lanterns can be purchased if desired). Then whatever message they choose to send to the heavens is scribbled on the flattened, biodegradable lantern. Each lantern has a waxy fuel cell that provides the heat to carry it aloft.

Allowing hot air to filter into the sky lantern over a flaming torch.
Credit: Suzette Sherman

Tiki torches staked in the ground in the launch field provide the flame to ignite the fuel. Participants hold their lantern over the flame until the heated air warms the soft bag and it points skyward, yearning to be released.

Although it’s intended to be a fun event, there is a seriousness that pervades the experience. People who come have a mission written on their faces. There’s a strong sense of purpose underscored by the relative quietness of the moment.

Music swells as participants get ready for the joint release of their lanterns. This takes place twice during the night — once at 8 p.m. for families with children, and again at midnight. Food trucks are available and a movie runs between lantern releases.

The festival sponsors are mindful of minimizing the ecological impact of the event. For example, the lanterns don’t burn up. Their bodies are made of fire-resistant rice paper, which prevents them from being ignited by the fuel cell suspended on a bamboo frame at the bottom. A clean-up crew gathers the lanterns when they fall back to earth.

According to its website, The Lights Fest carefully calculates how far the lanterns will travel and selects the correct lantern style for each event, based on the venue and weather conditions.

Of course, what happens to the lanterns afterwards is an afterthought for most attendees. Their focus is on their intention for that event. For many, it’s an opportunity to free the deepest emotions in their hearts, remembering loved ones who have died.