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Red Chinese lanterns have been displayed since ancient times. They were used to provide illumination and were influential in religious practices. Nowadays, Chinese lanterns are used for decoration and worship. They represent national pride and are commonly seen in homes and public areas. Traditionally, the lanterns are seen in red and adorned with gold tassels. 

The origin of Chinese lanterns

Red Chinese lanterns were initially seen during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). The lanterns were used as lamps or covers. They were also used in several religious practices, like Buddha worship. Buddhism was known to spread in China due to the efforts of the Eastern Han emperor. The emperor ordered that lanterns be lit every 15th day of the first lunar month to worship Buddha. This practice eventually became the famous Lantern Festival. 

During the Tang dynasty in the year 618-907, paper lanterns were displayed to celebrate China’s peaceful life and power. This led to the popularity of lanterns throughout the country. 

The beauty of Red Chinese Lanterns

During Ancient China, creating lanterns was a collection of crafts, including painting and paper-cutting. Various materials are used in making them; the most commonly used are bamboo, wood, wheat, straw, paper, and silk. Illustrations were also seen in traditional lanterns, showing some of China’s beautiful landscapes, portraits of key personalities, and mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, birds, and fish. 

The colors and what they represent

Colors say a lot about the culture and traditions of China. They have different symbolisms and are used on occasion. Red lanterns represent wealth, fame, and prosperity. These lanterns are usually used at weddings and family reunions.

During imperial times, yellow lanterns were displayed in palaces as the color represented the emperors of ancient China. As such, it was forbidden to use yellow lanterns by the public. These days, yellow lanterns are displayed to bring good luck to students. 

On the other hand, white lanterns are used in any event that has something to do with death. Therefore it is common to display or see white lanterns during funerals. In contrast, green lanterns symbolize health, prosperity, and harmony. These are likewise seen during temple fairs or the infamous Lantern Festival. 

The popular Lantern Festival

These are the days to feast your eyes on colorful and beautiful Chinese lanterns. The tradition of viewing lantern displays can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, around 2000 years ago. One of the favorite activities during the Lantern Festival is guessing lantern riddles. People gather around the displayed lanterns and guess the answers to the riddles. It is a form of competition wherein the person who answers the most riddles wins.

Now that Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day are fast approaching, we may opt to add the color red to our interior and even to our exterior. Red is one of the primary colors and is described in science through the wavelength the color possesses. It is also the color associated with the two holidays mentioned above. There must be something about the color that makes it valuable to traditions and beliefs. However, too much red can overwhelm us and may not be visually suitable for our homes. Here are some colors you can use with red to make your room look more captivating and ready for the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.

The enigmatic red

Red is considered warm and is associated with our physical needs and the will to survive. It is also a masculine color, as can be seen in products for men, which are packaged with red as the dominant color. Red signifies spirit and leadership qualities, which promote determination and ambition. Whatever it is associated with, red is powerful and beautiful. Red blends well with any style, such as traditional, eclectic, and modern styles. Remember that red can go everywhere from cheery and happy to angry and aggressive. This is what you need to keep in mind when using red in the interior. Too much may be an eyesore, and you should know when to stop using it. 

Use these colors to blend with red

Imagine that you are wearing a pure red shirt. Try adding some accessories with contrasting colors so you will not be an eyesore to others. Here are some colors that blend well with red and can highlight it:

• Sunflower – a sunflower shade of yellow blends well with an interior in red. It evokes an impression of having a vibrant and lively room. The color blend helps in creating a very bold, striking, and personality-filled room.
• Midnight – one of the best combinations of all time is black and red. A room with a foundation of these two colors can always be striking, no matter what decor you add.
• Navy – navy can balance and mellow red. It can create a stylish and youthful appearance in the room.
• Fuchsia – fuchsia and red may seem the same color with different shades. The combination will provide a monochromatic and layered look. The combination can evoke a sophisticated look.
• Cream – creamy white can likewise mellow the red color of the interior, creating a sophisticated and easy atmosphere in the room.
• Green – cherry red can match the grassy green and create a trendy and hip style.
• Plum – a combination of red and plum can create a very sultry and sexy appearance. It evokes a feminine look and a sweet environment.
• Chocolate – chocolate and red may not seem to go with each other at first, but the reality is that this combination evokes a feminine and chic room atmosphere.
• Turquoise – turquoise and red create a room that is vibrant and full of life.
• Mango – a combination of this color and red is great for kids’ rooms.
• Almond – almond is a traditional color for a room, but paired with red can give you a pair that can be family-friendly.
• Bubblegum – shade of pink does not go well with many colors, but with red, it can be unique.
• Dandelion – dandelion yellow with a punch of red can give a friendly welcome in the house.
• Gunmetal – gunmetal shows an industrial-looking room. Red accents can make an artsy appearance in the room.
• Gold – grandeur and luxury. These are what the red and gold project is. Ideal in the dining room and other formal areas. It may be classic but timeless as well.
• Olive – paired with red, can give a traditional look to the room.
• Charcoal – a combination of charcoal and red can show masculine energy.
• Blue – when blue is mixed with red accents can create fashionable energy.