Lanterns are a big part of Chinese holiday celebrations. This is particularly true of the Lantern Festival, which takes place on the eve of the fifteenth day of the first Chinese lunar month, usually in early February. On that evening, all types of lanterns are on display everywhere in the country. Here you will learn how to make a simple one of your own. All you need is a rectangular piece of construction paper, a pair of scissors, and a glue stick or Scotch tape.

Instructions

1. Fold the construction paper in half lengthwise (see a).

2. Make a dozen cuts along the fold, without cutting all the way to the other edge, because the area left uncut will serve as the top and bottom of the lantern (see b).

3. Unfold the paper and match up the ends (see c).

4. Glue or tape the ends together, and there is your Chinese lantern (see d)!

5. You may glue or tape a paper strip across the top of the lantern to make a handle.