A lantern is an often portable source of lighting, typically featuring a protective enclosure for the light source – historically usually a candle, a wick in oil, or a thermoluminescent See more

Lanterns were usually made from a metal frame with several sides (usually four, but up to eight) or round, commonly with a hook or a hoop of … See more

Fueled lanterns
All fueled lanterns are somewhat hazardous owing to the danger of handling flammable and … See more

Hand-held lanterns
• Terracotta lantern, early Islamic Era (8th-9th century), excavated c. 1931 in Susa (Shush), Iran
• Openwork … See more

The lantern enclosure was primarily used to prevent a burning candle or wick being extinguished from wind, rain or other causes. Some antique lanterns have only a metal grid, … See more

The word lantern comes via French from Latin lanterna meaning "lamp, torch," possibly itself derived from Greek.
An alternate historical spelling was "lanthorn", … See more

In 1417, the Mayor of London ordered that all homes must hang lanterns outdoors after nightfall during the winter months. This marked the first organized public street lighting.
Lanterns have been used functionally, for light rather than … See more