Sky Lanterns The construction of sky lanterns consists of a main body and frame. The body is made either from thin or oiled paper and the frame from bamboo strips. The sizes of the mouth and base vary with each lantern. A cloth or piece of gold paper soaked in kerosene is placed inside the lantern and lit after placing the lantern securely on the ground. The heat from the flame causes the lantern to ascend into the night sky. If the weather is good, the Kung Ming lantern will automatically fall back to earth after the kerosene is used up.