My Favorite Things: Lanterns

I've never met a lantern that I didn't admire. There's something mystical about them. Like moths to a flame, I'm drawn to their warm beauty. I suppose I have an appreciation for objects that contain other things- purses, wallets, boxes, houses, nesting dolls, to name just a few. Perhaps the reason I so adore lanterns is because they're in a sense, a "home" for another one of my loves, candles.

Lanterns are akin to doll houses (something I spent much of my time surrounded by as a little girl). The architectural structure of lanterns are so visually appealing. Their adorable little roofs providing way for doors that open to welcome whatever you so choose to store inside- often nothing at all. The beauty of lanterns can easily stand on its own as a piece of indoor/outdoor decor. Or during the holidays, they can be filled with seasonal decorations- anything from pumpkins and gourds to tinsel, ornaments and lights.

First mentioned by the ancient Greeks in ~300 BC, the primary function of lanterns was to simply shield a burning candle from the elements. There's a timeless authenticity about them. You could place an antique lantern next to one you found at a big box store and they would completely complement each other. There's no level of hierarchy with these objects. There's beauty in all of their designs.

For these reasons and more, lanterns are one of my favorite things.












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