Lantern
Lantern means light in a transparent protective case. Lantern is decorative casing for a light. Lanterns are structures built on top of a roof or dome with open or windowed walls to admit light and air.
A lantern is a portable lighting device used to illuminate. Lanterns may be used for signaling, or as general light sources for camping.
Lantern stands as the basic source of light as well as a traditional symbol. In India, lantern has a specific importance. Lanterns are use in the festival of Diwali. The candles lanterns are also used in the various traditional ceremonies like on the inauguration, felicitation and marriage. In Christian marriages, the candle is used for the traditional purpose. Similarly Chinese celebrate the Lantern Festival which is celebrated according to the Chinese New Year. This lantern festival is known as Yuanxiao Jie.
Lantern can be of various types like:
* The Modern Lanterns: Some lanterns are work on the battery power. They make use of the fluorescent light bulb. They are easy to use and comparatively long-lasting. It provides much less bright than propane or liquid fuel lanterns.
* The Propane lanterns: Propane lanterns are more complex in design. This type of lantern is screwed onto the top of a propane bottle. A fuel tube runs upwards from the bottle, then turns downward and is open at the end. A woven fabric is used to lid the end of the bottle. It is known as the mantel. This mantel must be burnt before its initial use. Propane flowing from the fuel tube catches fire, and transfers its heat to the mantle. A cylindrical glass shield called the globe is placed around the mantle for protection. Propane lanterns are very right, and can easily be used as reading lights.
* The Liquid fuel lanterns: Liquid-fuel lanterns work in the similar way except the fuel, which may be special lantern fuel or even gasoline, is used for the purpose. This liquid fuel is poured into a tank at the bottom and then the tank is pressurized with a small hand pump. Liquid fuel lanterns are more common in North America than elsewhere in the world where the fuel is easily available.
* The Traditional lanterns: The Traditional lanterns use the candle. A simplest technology used for lanterns is the candle. Candles give weak light, and must be protected from wind to prevent from sparkling or complete extinguishment. These lanterns are not very expensive.
* The Decorative lanterns: Decorative lanterns exist in a wide range of designs. Some hang from buildings and some are placed on or just above the ground. Paper lanterns are one of the examples of the decorative lantern. Modern varieties often place an electric light in a decorative glass and highly decorative but have the added advantage of being a usable source of light in case of electrical failure.
In ancient time, lantern was only the source of light but today lanterns are made up of paper, candle, brass and others are being used for the decorative purpose. These lanterns create the mood, and also make the environment pleasant.