A lantern made to be used in a festival, parade, celebration or party is a decorative version of a utilitarian lantern, which is simply a portable lamp. Unlike a torch, the light source in a lantern is usually at least partially enclosed by windows of light-transmitting material or perforated walls. Many festival lanterns are designed to be lightweight and self-contained so that they can be held by hand or transported by other means. Festival lanterns have the freedom to move in various ways: such as to swing when hanging, be carried in a parade, float on water, or even rise through the air. The light source in festival lanterns was traditionally a flame fed by oil or wax, but today electric lanterns are usually more practical because we have good battery and electric lighting technology. A luminaria or luminary bag is a special very simple type of festival lantern that uses a light source inside a translucent paper bag and is typically set on the ground with sand added to keep it from blowing away. Festival lanterns are incorporated beautifully in many religious and spiritual traditions around the world - especially during the winter season. Exploring and learning about lantern festivals from other religious faiths aligns with the Unitarian Universalist living tradition of seeking meaning and spiritual growth from Six Sources of wisdom.