Paper lanterns are beautiful decorative lanterns, (original) made of rice or silk paper, covering a light source. They have been used to decorate rooms during festivals and other important (occasion) for hundreds of years. Nowadays, (hang) lanterns is still one of the traditional customs in many places.
Due the thin covering of paper lanterns, the lanterns are very beautiful when they are lit. Different paintings and designs (attach) to the thin covering, making the lantern more attractive.
The only color not traditionally used in making paper lanterns is white; it is often used in memory of dead in many Asian cultures. Paper lanterns have (vary) shapes and sizes. A common design is the ball or globe design, holds its shape by being stretched (伸展) over bamboo strips.
It is very unusual today to see paper lanterns that hold candles, unless the paper (use) is fire resistant (耐火的). It's simply too easy for them to catch fire, otherwise. So in modern times, for safety, people often use a small electric light instead of a candle (avoid) possible fires.
