Do you agree with Sky Lanterns, some people have concerns

We have been selling these lanterns now for a while and some customers have expressed concerns. Basically the standard lanterns are made from rice paper and bamboo all of which is bio-degradable, at the bottom of the lantern a fuel sorce is attached and this is done by twisting four pieces of fine wire onto the bottom of the sky lantern. The concerns come in a couple of types - those that express that there is a risk of fire from the lanterns and those that say if the lanterns land in rural farming fields then animals can injest the wire and be hurt badly.

Our recommendations are quite clear in the safety instructions for the chinese sky lanterns - they should not be used in winds over 5mph, although when people have parties planned they find it very difficult to restrain themselves from letting the lanterns off and disregarding the wind conditions. In still conditions (the ideal for lantern release) the chinese lanterns will fly straight up and hang up to 1km above the users creating a beautiful effect. However when released in winds over 5mph the lanterns can travel surprisingly quickly - this genrally isnt a problem apart from the users not seeing the lanterns for as long as they would were the conditions still, but and this is the big but - the danger comes when buildings or trees are in the vicinity and the wind can blow the lit sky lantern into them - basically common sense should be used and where the release instructions are not followed users risk prosecution if they have acted irresponsibly.

Further concerns have been expressed with lanterns apparently landing in crops and causing fires - this as far as we know is not proven and we don't know of any incidences of crop fires that can be directly attributed to the lanterns and the only way this could happen were if the lantern was damaged prior to release. Its a case of thinking carefully before release and taking the wind direction into account - if a lantern is released and lit correctly without any damage there is no way that it could come to earth still alight as it only begins to fall to earth once the fuel has burn't up. Fireworks are a far more dangerous proposition.

As for the question as to damage to livestock - thats not clean cut either, on the back of customer comments we do recommend the use of our Eco lanterns instead in rural areas or where there is the possibility of sky lanterns flying over farmland as they contain no metal parts whatsoever. There are reports of lanterns falling to the ground on farmland and the wire from the standard lanterns being bailed up into feed for animals and causing problems but there is very little evidence as yet of this happening - if you have some evidence then we would love you to send it in so we can include it in our warnings and instructions and help people choose where they let lanterns fly.

People using the lanterns often write special messages to loved ones and wishes on their lanterns prior to letting them fly. When a large number of the Chinese Lanterns fly together they create an amazing effect - sometimes they are even reported as UFO's! What we want to know is should they be banned as some people suggest or do the benefits outweigh the negative effects that are caused by people not using them within the rules and instructions.

Link - UK promotion, Standard Chinese Sky Lanterns

Link - Eco wire free flying lanterns

Or see below :-

Our traditional white Chinese flying lanterns come ready to light and are made from biodegradable non-flammable material. These are the ideal solution for bonfire night or halloween for those that don't like the big bangs of fireworks - plus these fly for several minutes and can go for miles! Alternatively have them at your wedding for the ultimate romantic gesture or to make a wish for the future at Christmas or the New Year. Kids and Adults love them and they are so much better value than a firework that lasts a few seconds and costs a fortune!

The sky lanterns are capable of flying many miles, and provide a fantastic addition to any party or special occasion - once you have seen them you will love them! Whether the lanterns are launched one by one, or all together, they are sure to create a stunning effect in the sky for your friends and family to enjoy. Just wait for your neighbours to report a UFO sighting to the local papers!

Sky Lanterns - the History

There is a very long History Of Khoom Fay (Sky Lanterns), Launching Sky Lanterns is one of the most renowned folk activities, during the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival in Taiwan and is becoming more popular all across Europe and in 2008 large numbers of Sky flying lanterns began to be sold in the UK.

Sky Lanterns date back hundreds if not thousands of years, when armies employed them as signalling devices and later were adopted by common folk, who used them to convey their wishes to the gods in heaven.

The locals believe floating candles (Sky Lanterns) offer poignancy and tranquility and the strings of breathtaking stars bring back all your ancestral spirits. Many people celebrate the annual Yipeng Lantern Festival. Yipeng means the full moon of the twelfth lunar month in the Buddhist Calendar or the second lunar in Asia.

Others may also celebrate this festival as a tribute to chulam anee stupa in the heavens. Locals believe that the launching of Khoom Loy, or floating lanterns into the sky would rid them of all their troubles and demons. Moreover, if the lanterns are offered to monks, they will receive wisdom in return as the flame in the lantern is said to symbolize knowledge and the light will guide them to the right path of their lives.

If these lanna style balloons, which are made with mulberry paper and bamboo frame rise high and reveal far, it indicates prosperity. It is thought they could rise as high as 1.250 metres, and to travel vast distances. The local folk in Asia believe that as the Sky Lantern rise, it takes away their troubles and brings good luck in the future so this year take all your troubles away by launching a few lanterns!

The above is just a insight into the history of Khoom Fay (Sky Lanterns) which hopefully you found interesting and will stir your emotions to delve further into this unique experience. We are sure once you try them you will love them, they may also bring you luck!

Safety Instructions for Sky Lanterns - IMPORTANT PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

A major benefit of releasing your own flying Sky Lanterns, rather than lighting fireworks, is that they are far safer to use. To make sure
you always stay safe whilst enjoying them, please follow these simple safety instructions:
• All Sky lanterns are for outdoor use only and are not toys. They should be kept away from children at all times and only used and lit by
competent adults. Do not use them under the influence of alcohol or if you do not feel safe.
• Completely familiarise yourself with the lanterns before lighting and launching them - READ THE ENCLOSED INSTRUCTIONS carefully. Remove any protective paper from the wire suspending the wick and the small protective plastic bag (if applicable) covering the wick before lighting. Please refer to the release instructions for more information and follow the instructions carefully.
• Please do not try to launch in wind conditions that make lighting the lantern difficult. In any case ensure that the wind is not stronger than 5 mph (please refer to a weather forecast for wind speeds in your area such as www.bbc.co.uk/weather).
• Before the lantern is launched, the naked flame must be supervised at all times by responsible adults. Make sure you have water and / or fire extinguishers at hand and keep the lantern away from any flammable materials. Do not smoke near the lantern.
• Launching a lantern in strong winds, which is torn or has burn holes or is otherwise damaged or defective may cause premature
landing and fire at the point of grounding - it is your responsibility to ensure this does not occur so do not launch the lantern in such circumstances.
• Check the wind direction prior to releasing the lanterns - obstacles such as buildings and trees and cables should not be in the
direct flight path of the lantern and must be at least 30 meters away.
• Do not release lanterns within a five mile radius of an operational airport or landing strip as the lanterns could interfere with low
flying aircraft.
• Do not release lanterns within two miles of a major road or motorway as the lanterns could come to rest in the path of a vehicle.
• Do not release the lanterns in an area where the glow could be confused as a distress signal or UFO. Please ensure you contact the local
coast guard if you intend releasing your lanterns on the beach or near the coast. This will avoid causing unnecessary alarm.
• Do not release the lanterns anywhere near dry crops or woodland or any other flammable areas. Do not release the lantern
anywhere where it may cause damage or be a nuisance.
• Prior to use, the lanterns should be kept in a dry, secure place away from children and animals. Ensure that all children are kept
under supervision and away from the source of ignition during the release.
• Do not light and release the lanterns wearing flammable clothing in case the flame from the wick ignites the clothing. For additional
safety, protective clothes can be worn.
• Once the sky lantern has been lit and released, it must not be reused.
• Launching sky lanterns in inappropriate surroundings or weather conditions or if they are damaged or defective in any way may
cause fires. It could make you liable to criminal charges or civil claims for damages.
• In any event, only use the lantern when you feel it is safe to do so. If you have any concerns it is best to not launch a lantern.

Sky Lanterns, your responsibility - Please note when purchasing this product that you are responsible for any personal injury, civil
damages claims or criminal charges that result from your release of these sky lanterns not strictly in accordance with these instructions and those contained in the Lantern packaging or otherwise due to your fault or negligence. You must adhere to local laws before releasing sky lanterns and it is essential that you read, understand and follow the instructions prior to release. Launching sky lanterns in inappropriate surroundings or weather conditions or after they have been damaged may cause fires. If a lantern is damaged in any way, you must not use it.