Learn About Light Around the World
The lanterns, lamps, and candles on display are from China, Colombia, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, and Morocco. This special exhibit is presented in partnership with Indy Asian American Times, the Carmel-Cortona Sister City Committee, the Carmel-Kawachinagano Sister City Committee, the Carmel-Seiffen Sister City Committee, and local community representatives.
More About the Items in the Exhibit
China
The Hexagonal Palace Lantern is a traditional lantern known for its elegant appearance and exquisite craftsmanship, which combines carving, painting, and weaving. In ancient times, candles or oil lamps were used to light these lanterns, producing a warm and soft glow. Traditionally, they are made of wood with silk, satin, or paper shades, painted or engraved with patterns. The colors of the shades are predominantly red and gold, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
The round “prosperity red” lanterns are key decorations for Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, weddings, and other joyful events. These lanterns are entirely red, symbolizing joy, happiness, good luck, prosperity, and success. The traditional design is typically round or oval, symbolizing unity and completeness, and the lanterns are adorned with patterns symbolizing wealth and prosperity. They have become not only a festival decoration but also a unique Chinese cultural symbol.
Colombia
El Dia de Las Velitas (The Day of the Little Candles) is a traditional festival held in Colombia on the evening of December 7 to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season. For this beloved holiday, families come together to enjoy a special meal and light candles and lanterns outside their houses.
Germany
One of the German lanterns in the exhibit shows the sun, a popular motif. Another lantern shows Sankt Martin (Saint Martin). In Germany, Sankt Martinstag (Saint Martin's Day) is celebrated on November 11. Kids make their own lanterns, and special lantern parades are led by someone dressed as Saint Martin, usually in a Roman soldier costume and riding a horse. At the end of the parade, people gather around a big bonfire to sing special songs. They enjoy treats and sip warm mulled wine. For many families, a festive meal with a special dish of roasted goose or duck is served that day.
In Carmel, we celebrate Sankt Martinstag at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt in November, complete with lantern making, German songs, Sankt Martin on horseback, and sweet breads.
India
Kuthu Vilakku is a traditional oil lamp that has significant meaning in South Indian culture and Hindu rituals. The lamp is usually lit twice, at the beginning of the day and at dusk facing the east. Prayers are offered after lighting the lamp, and incense is burned. The lamp symbolizes light conquering ignorance and negativity and bringing positive energy to the surrounding area.
Italy
Venetian lanterns and lamps are crafted in the ancient tradition of Murano glassmaking. The small island of Murano is known for its beautiful, intricate, and patterned handblown glass, which has been made there since the 13th century. True Murano glass can only be made in one of the factories on this small island, where the glassmaking process has changed very little over the years.
Japan
Chochin are cylindrical lanterns that traditionally had a frame of split bamboo covered with rice paper and were mainly used for funerals and other special occasions. Today they are seen hanging from storefronts and at festivals. They are decorated with sakura (cherry blossom trees), which are one of Japan’s most iconic symbols, deeply rooted in its history, culture, and identity. The cherry blossom itself with its fleeting nature symbolizes the transience of life and embodies Shinto ideals of impermanence and renewal.
Andon and okiandon are box-shaped lanterns with a stand inside for a light. The sides have elegant designs, and the one in this exhibit is decorated with a tsuru (Japanese crane), a national treasure and depicted in literature, art, and mythology. It symbolizes success and longevity due to its fabled life span of a thousand years.
Morocco
Moroccan lanterns are made of intricate metalwork and influenced by a variety of historical cultures that had contact with Morocco. They represent spiritual light and are used for various purposes, including Ramadan celebrations.
