mydarkenedeyes:

Stunning photos of Chiang Mai’s Floating Lantern Festival.

Thousands of people gather and launch hot-air lanterns into the night sky. They are made of a thin fabric - usually rice paper. A candle or fuel cell is attached so that when it’s lit, the hot air trapped inside creates enough lift for it to float away. It’s a spectacular sight as thousands of lanterns are released at the same time. The festival is a time to pay respect to higher deities - you say a prayer, make a wish and then watch as your lantern floats away. Many people also believe that the lantern will carry your troubles away with it.

Via My Modern Met (Click for more info and photo credits).

Prayers