December 29, 2010 – Jiufen, Taiwan

These lanterns were used to light up the night when there was no electricity yet in the old days. Some historians even attested that these lights covered with red colored paper with chinese characters on it were in fact the first portable lighting produced by man.

It was a necessity then it soon became a symbol of respect for Taiwan’s General, Guan Yu. A Lantern Festival is celebrated every year for the exploits of the general. Today? it also became a work of art for many.