Today I am taking up the Weekly Photo Challenge of the Daily Post. The word ‘Illumination’ reminds me of the Chinese Lantern, which plays an important role in the culture I grew up in. It symbolizes the brilliant culture of China that was brought along by the early Chinese migrants to Penang.
In ancient China, floating sky lanterns were strategically used as ‘blimps’ in wars as early as the 3rd century BC. Then lanterns made of oiled rice paper on a bamboo frame with small candles were used to light up entrance-ways and as portable lighting when walking around at night.
Uniquely designed lanterns are further embellished with exquisite calligraphy. These objects of artistic expression not only illuminate the darkest corners of a room, but also stand out as decorative ornaments, such as the ones we encountered at the Khoo Kongsi in Penang.
In modern days lanterns are subsequently…
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