floating lantern

A floating lantern is a paper lantern with a small flame inside, released to drift on water or rise into the sky.

Water lanterns float on ponds, rivers, or the sea during memorial ceremonies.

Sky lanterns—also called Chinese lanterns—use heated air to ascend like miniature hot air balloons.

Both types appear in festivals across East and Southeast Asia, often carrying wishes or honoring the dead: Thousands of floating lanterns lit up the river during the festival.