Far more than just decoration, Chinese paper lanterns have silently signaled births, deaths, social status and approaching danger through color and shape since 250 BC. Banned during the Cultural Revolution as bourgeoise, today lanterns have resumed their place as honored guests at ceremonies and festivals. Symbols of long life and good luck, lanterns are still created with the same materials and techniques of ancient China. Pliable wood (usually bamboo) or wire is molded to create the frame over which paper, fabrics or silk are stretched. In this exciting and fun class, students will create their very own working electric paper lantern!