Sky Lantern: light it on the pier and let it go
Sky Lantern takes place on a quiet lakeshore at dusk. Reeds sway in the foreground, two rows of hills fade into the distance, and a wooden pier runs out over the water with an unlit paper lantern at its end. When the recipient taps the wick, the lantern begins to glow from inside, and then they send it up with a swipe. As it rises, more lanterns lift off from the far shore, all of them reflected upside down in the lake, while the sky slowly turns to night. Finally the lanterns stop and become stars. It's an unhurried little scene, made for watching.
It suits anyone turning a page: someone moving to a new city, starting a new job or school, or finding their feet after a hard time. It can also go to a friend who is ill or low, with the message that they are not alone. Pick a lantern colour, write your message and share the link on WhatsApp or by copying it.
What does the recipient experience?
- The first screen says the sender 'lit a lantern for your new path'. They tap 'Go to the lake', and the sounds of water and an evening breeze begin.
- The camera moves towards the pier, and their name appears with 'To light the way ahead'.
- They tap the lantern's wick or the 'Light the lantern' button. With the sound of a match the wick catches and the lantern fills with light.
- They swipe upwards from the lantern (or push it up with the mouse), or press the 'Let go' button.
- The lantern rises with the camera following, others take off from the far shore, night falls and our own 'lantern lullaby' plays. The screen reads 'May your path be bright and your sky clear', and then the lanterns turn into stars.
- The sender's message opens; they can say thanks with 🏮, ✨, 🙏, 🥹 or ❤️.
What can you choose?
The lantern's paper and inner light come in three colours: warm orange, rose pink or gold. The colour you pick shows on the lantern on the pier and in its reflection on the water. Beyond that you add their name, your name and a message; leave the message blank and a short wish for the occasion appears.
When to send it
It appears under two occasions on Wishwiff. Under new beginnings, for a move, a new job, starting school or picking up again after a breakup; under cheer up and get well, for someone who is ill, recovering from surgery or having a rough week. No microphone, shaking or permission is needed, just a tap and a swipe. Headphones make the water and the lullaby sound even nicer.
Common questions
What if the lantern doesn't respond to touch?
Both steps have a button: 'Light the lantern' to light it and 'Let go' to release it. If the gesture doesn't work, pressing the button does the same thing.
Does the on-screen text change with the occasion?
Yes. For new beginnings it says 'May your path be bright and your sky clear'; for cheer up and get well you'll see lines like 'You are not alone, so many are thinking of you' and 'Everything will be okay'.
How is it different from the Wishing Fountain?
In the fountain, the recipient flicks a coin into a basin in a town square and their name appears on the water. Here they light a lantern by a lake and release it into the sky, which is slower and more of a scene to watch.