During my childhood time, children from the whole area would come out together. The street might be dark, those back lane that we never dare to explore, would become the destination. Our gang of 20-30 children, each carrying a candle light lantern would march around those area, forming a possession. Some big boys will even bang on "Milo" tin to make loud sound, calling out for more participants.
I think children nowadays will not have that kind of experience, but they will have a new experience. I see that even the Malays and the Indians children are carrying lanterns nowadays in Singapore. The lanterns has become more advance and more attractive. Some lantern can even sing, although those are not my cup of tea. Candle light lantern with "glass paper" is quite rear nowadays. Another difference is that children will carry lantern with their parents around, not with their friends. Perhaps I should view this as a good sign because nowadays parents have more time to care more for their children. 30-40 years back ago, I think our parents hardly had time to do that.
Another observation about lantern is the advance of technology. Take a look at this fancy lantern that I bought for my kids. It's less than SGD4. It comes with bi-color LED,and some circuitry to make the LED blinks. Unlike older designs that come with irritating music, this one produce no sound. I like this better. I think the paper will break easily. I have kept this for a year but I think it's unlikely to last until next year. It's hard for me to imagine that LEDs and electronic circuits can become disposable item. Thanks to China to make this cheap for us.
The design is really cool... someone should alter the design and sell this during Halloween in US and Europe...
There's a magnet to attach the two parts together.
In the middle of the lantern is a LED, plus a circuit and a battery...
Also, fold-able means easier to keep for next year's use... Look for something like this for your children... Hmmm.... perhaps for 2010, the lantern festival should be celebrated in the Night Safari... I wonder whether they allow that or not.. Let's see.
