Light Hang Lantern

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My new Iron Hanging Lantern, something else to polish or something deeper?

Not ever being a big fan of candles, and probably one of the few people in the world who doesn't go into raptures over the latest scented candle, I was recently given a very pretty iron hanging lantern with some candles as a house warming present. ‘Great!' I thought, another dust collector, pretty though it is. I think I'd have preferred a bottle of wine or maybe just a card. Actually the bottle of wine sounds the best. I really shouldn't sound so ungrateful, I know.

My friend who gave me the gift (and who knows what I'm like) had very thoughtfully researched the history of hanging lanterns, knowing that I'm a complete sucker for history. I didn't realise they went so far back in time and had so much history behind them. I love knowing the background of things, where they came from and what they symbolise. It makes me look at things differently.

Well, here‘s a quick history lesson for you. Hanging lanterns were introduced to Japan in the 6th century AD by China and Korea. They were made from stone initially and were tied up with religious symbolism. They were used initially as votive lights in temples and shrines. The very early ones were said to hold the sacred flame of Buddha. The burning lamp is a common metaphor in Buddhism. It symbolises the Buddhist teaching of the light that helps us overcome the darkness of ignorance. The lamps in temples and shrines were probably initially used as symbolic offerings or memorials to Buddha. Many centuries passed before they were used for the more practical purpose of lighting the way at the temples and shrines.

TSURIDŌRŌ (Tsuridoro) or hanging metal lanterns, were usually made from bronze and iron and were hung from the corner eaves of palatial residences, temples and shrines. They were usually quite small with 4- 6 sides and designed to fit under the overhanging eaves of the roof. Japan has the most fascinating culture. Just finding out about the hanging lanterns has whetted my appetite for their culture and hopefully I'll

someday manage to go there and see the hanging lanterns of Seiryouden, Higyousha or Kyoto Gosho. See, I've even done a bit of research myself.

My gorgeous hanging lantern is quite small and sits on the hearth at the fireplace. I'll definitely use it knowing the background and might even invest in another one. I'm not very religious, but I do like its spiritual

background, and what it symbolises.

Although my iron hanging lantern is not grand enough to grace the eaves of any palatial residence it fits quite nicely in my living room and even though I'm not the biggest fan of candles I think it can stay. It might even convert me.

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Not ever being a big fan of candles, and probably one of the few people in the world who doesn't go into raptures over the latest scented candle, I was recently given a very pretty iron hanging lantern with some candles as a house warming present

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