Raising Hung Ming Lanterns

Hung Ming Lantern is made of paper.


Lighting up the fuel at the bottom of Hung Ming Lantern








Hung Ming Lantern rises into the sky to spread the wishes and blessings.





Equipment: Canon 30D, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
Event: Mui Wo Hung Shing Festival (梅窩洪聖誕節) - Raising Hung Ming Lantern (點放孔明燈許願)
Place: Silver Mine Bay (銀礦灣沙灘), Mui Wo (梅窩) , Lantau Island (大嶼山)
Date: 31 March, 2007

Hung Ming lantern / KongMing Lantern (孔明燈) was originally called Celestial Lights (天燈) . It was created by Zhu Ge Liang (諸葛亮) (also known as Hung Ming(孔明)) to transmit secret military information during the Three Kingdoms period (around 220-265 A.D.). It utilized steam to raise lanterns into the sky that it created false celestial information to deceive the opponents led by Si Ma Yi. The story was gradually picked up by the common people, who used the lanterns to bring their prayers to the heavens. Releasing the lanterns during festivals has become a Chinese tradition practice in various religious festivals and celebrations meaning illuminated by heaven’s blessing.

The public can raise a Hung Ming Lantern during the Hung Shing Festival. Two thousand
Hung Ming lanterns will be available for subscription.

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