I have noticed a resurgence in the popularity of lanterns over the past couple of years.  Lanterns have been used as the earliest source of light by nearly every culture in the world.  Originating as a protective enclosure for a light source, it was portable and could be placed more practically outdoors or in drafty interiors where they were more likely to be blown out by gusts of air.  When ancient men dwelled in caves they used handfuls of moss soaked with animal fat in hollowed out rocks.  Ancient Africans burned oily nuts in clay saucers for light.  During the Iron Age and days of King David, the Canaanite Oil Lamp was used.  There is documentation of terra-cotta Herodian oil lamps from 50 BC to AD 50 which show it was used during the ministry of Jesus.  Even the many types of wicks show the age of early lanterns, from papyrus, to rush, to linen, and flax.  Ancient Romans filled their lanterns with olive oil.  The Chinese still use paper lanterns which are prevalent during the Lunar New Year.  Lantern festivals are now rising in popularity all over the world.  Until the 1700’s oil lamps, oil lanterns, and candles were the only source of light.  Then petroleum was developed and after that came the kerosene lamp.  It could light up an area better and also lasted longer.  The lantern was developed as an alternative to candles and is considered a historical forerunner to modern day electricity.  Though primarily used to prevent light from being extinguished, lanterns served an equally important function of reducing the risk of fire if a spark should leap or if the light was ever dropped.  This was especially crucial below deck on ships, as gunpowder was a common presence stored in large amounts.  Unguarded lights were taken so seriously that the obligatory use of lanterns below decks were even written into one of the few known remaining examples of pirate code.  Nichiren, a 13th century Japanese Buddhist priest said, “If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way.”  I have looked for quite some time to find just the right lanterns for our home.  They have been either too big, too small, or too expensive.  Then I found the one pictured here and there were two!  I also found these battery operated “candles” that fit perfectly in them and I do not have to worry about fire.  Plus they’re on timers so they do not stay on all night.  I love them and I think they make the front of our house more inviting.  I want to be like the Buddhist priest said so long ago.  I hope in some way, to someone, somewhere, this blog will serve as a lantern for another.