According to the senior villagers, the history of making lanterns in the village dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Ever since then, the village contributed many lanterns to royal palaces. The tradition continues well into today, when production grows large-scaled and lanterns are even sold overseas. The skill of lantern making has been handed down from generation to generation for over one thousand years.

Huyan Zhenyuan is a villager in Sanzhao Village. His wife, Tang Chunyu, is a very skillful woman. She made many of the lanterns hung on the Xi'an City Wall and the Wide Goose Pagoda during the Spring Festival season. Tang is especially good at making silk lanterns like the exquisite "watermelon lantern," elliptical "pot lantern" and the huge "fireworks lantern."

Lighting up the night sky

According to Chinese folklore, lanterns were said to be originally used at night to help mortals see the gods. Later on, fairy tales began to adopt them as symbols of love between the immortal and mortal worlds. Inspired by the beautiful legends, ancient craftsmen began making exquisite lanterns, which soon became one of most popular decorations for festivals and celebrations.

Originating as far back as the Western Han Dynasty, the basic Chinese lantern has remained unchanged in design. The sleeve or frame that surrounds the candle is assembled from pliable bamboo, sturdy redwood or inexpensive wire. To soften the harsh light of a naked flame, thin or oiled paper, gauze or silk fabric covers the frame to create the familiar flattering, soft glow.

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