12" Glowing Blue Lantern

In China, blue is the color of health. It is considered to be a color with healing properties. Because of this association, blue also can represent the spring, where the world is seen to be healing and reviving from the long winter, and nature expressing a new vitality. Related to this, blue is also the color of immortality. The legendary phoenix, believed to be immortal, had blue feathers. Blue was also seen as the color of the Chinese goddess Xi Wangmu, called The Queen Mother of the West, Golden Mother of the Shining Lake. She was, according to legend, without beginning and without end, existing when the universe was created and would continue to exist even after it ended. She lived, according to the myths, in a giant palace made entirely of gold, on the top of Mount Kunlun, and was surrounded by a retinue of goddesses who served her. It is said that in her palace, there was a magic peach orchard. Whoever ate the peaches would gain the same immortality she enjoyed. In some Taoist legends, she was the one who gave the Tao Te Chung to Lao Zi. Bring the comforting glow found in Chinese legends to your home decor today. Our paper lanterns are an affordable and attractive way to add some Oriental flavor to your summertime decorating, and can be used to create a colorful bouquet of soft, glowing light.