That’s what’s behind the red lantern

Decoration with meaning

Asian Restaurant: Do you know what red lantern stands for?

In many Asian restaurants, bright red paper lanterns stand out. Do they have meaning or are they just seeking attention?

Bright red paper lanterns hang in front of many Asian restaurants. Why is it red? And what do the characters that sometimes appear there mean?

Red is a popular color for paper lanterns. It represents fame, wealth and prosperity. When a restaurant or shop is decorated with red lanterns, it is said to symbolize a prosperous life and successful business.

In Japan, some restaurant owners also decorate their shops with red lanterns. Decades ago, the bright red decorations were meant to remind passersby of the alcohol and food offered at the store.

Although red is the most common color, paper lanterns are also available in yellow or green. Green represents happiness and health, and yellow represents caution. White lanterns are often only hung at funerals, at least in China.

It’s not uncommon for paper lanterns to have writing on them. Some of them have deeper meanings, such as “happiness” or “health.” Others are considered references to the retailer’s offer – for example “meat”, “sake” or “sushi”.

However, there are also companies that print advertisements on these lanterns and then hang them.