Paper lantern

Papermaking technology originated from China from at least AD 105 during the Eastern Han dynasty,[2][3] but it is unknown exactly when paper became used for lanterns.

Traditionally constructed using bamboo and Japanese paper, modern parols have been made using other materials such as plastic, metal, and capiz shells.

[4][5][6] Dating back to the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines, parols are a traditional part of the Panunulúyan pageant in the nine-day Christmas Novena procession leading up to the Simbang Gabi (midnight mass).

[7] During the Yi Peng festival of Thailand, some people also decorate their houses, gardens, and temples with khom fai (Thai: โคมไฟ), intricately shaped paper lanterns which take on different forms.

Thousands of sky lanterns called khom loi (Thai: โคมลอย) are also released annually during the Yi Peng festival.

[10] Placing candles or tea lights in a succession of small paper bags (known as luminarias or farolitos) is a common Christmas tradition in New Mexico.