To the Sky

For New Year 2011, instead of toying with firecrackers, we released khoom fay to the sky.

Khoom fay is Thai for fire lantern. It’s a cylindrical lantern made of thin paper and bamboo sticks. According to Whoosh Fireworks: 

Their sparkle can be seen flying up in the air for up to 20 minutes and will travel several miles in distance, after which the fuel cell (flame) will die out and they will gently float back down for a safe landing. Sky Lanterns will fly to more than 1,000 meters in altitude, providing an enjoyable yet amazingly simple show for all ages.

My dad got two pieces as a souvenir from an event he attended last month. To launch the khoom fay, we lit the wick while holding the extended lantern. It rose on its own while being filled with hot air. When it was hot enough, we released it to the sky.

But we made a wish first! Khoom fay are also known as wish lanterns and they symbolize good luck. It is believed that when when you release them to the sky, you also let go of your worries, misfortunes, and bad luck.