Wesa Chau

'

1000 lights for peace' is a public offering of peace using ancient Chinese art.

In Chinese culture we release floating lanterns into the river to send happiness to family and friends and to remember loved ones who have passed away. The purpose of the lantern is to provide an offering of guiding light to spirits and the departed, much like a lighthouse to a passing boat, to the world of the departed. Lanterns are also a vessel to carry prayers and wishes for relief of suffering and forgiveness or whatever one may want to wish.

In recent months, there had been many accidents, disasters, conflicts and diseases happening around the world. They have been devastating to watch in the news. We want to release 1000 lanterns to wish for peace.



Lanterns are hand made using origami in a boat or lotus shape and a candle is placed inside. We will be making the lanterns, because according to the Chinese culture, lanterns must be handmade for the wish to be granted.

We welcome people from all cultures and all ages to join in. This event is not about supporting any sides of conflicts, or seeking blame for accidents, but to remember loved ones who have passed away and to send happiness, love and peace to family and friends.

The funds will be used to purchase candles, paper and the event. 






Join us to light up Melbourne for peace!
When: Friday 12 September 2014 @ 6:30pm
Where: Lincoln Square - corner of Swanston St and between Grattan St and Queensberry St.



Mid-autumn festival is the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, and it is when the moon is the roundest and largest of the year.  It is officially the harvest festival, and is also commonly known as the moon festival, mooncake festival, or lantern festival. During this festival, family and friends gather together as a whole to enjoy each other's company; praying to the gods; and thanksgiving for the harvest in the year (in the olden days).  This year's mid-autumn festival is Monday 8 September and we normally celebrate for the whole week, and is the perfect festive time to float lanterns.

*releasing river lanterns is also observed in other countries such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore.



We are proud to have the support of Zoe Condliffe, project manager for Mayibuye Cambodia and 1st runner up in the Miss Humanity Australia 2014 pageant. 

How else can you get involved?

Lantern materials: $1200 (paper, non-flame tea-candles)
Mid-Autumn event: (September 12th): $1000 (Sound system, marquee)
Facebook marketing/advertising: $500
Travel and water for volunteers: $300

Additional funds raised during the event will be donated to Oxfam Australia to support their mission to end poverty.

There may be community safety issues and I have spoken to Victoria Police and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, who are very keen to support and be present on the day.

I foresee challenges of not being able to find enough volunteers to help fold origami and to help on the night of the event.

I have already spoken to some people who are willing to host lunchtime origami sessions, and others who have expressed interest.