Sky Lanterns

Sky Lanterns, or Kongming, are small hot air balloons. They are said to be named for a Chinese military strategist and were used to carry the message that troops were in dire straits. Today they are used in festivals around the world. My favorite festival is held in Taiwan. People send their sky lanterns aloft to the heavens with written prayers and messages to God. The sky lantern in this quilt is symbolic of the ability to rise above earthly troubles and float into the heavens.