I have always had a fascination with the relationship between temporary, inexpensive objects that yet mean the world to some people. I shared my experience with one and I am here to voice the opinion of the Lantern in my story. Its a gloomy afternoon at Northridge, California and I am sitting here ,in my cozy studio apartment, right across the one and only-The lantern.
Q:What did you mean to my Grandmother?
A: I signified her cheerful youth, I represented a memory of what life was for her before it started taking things away. Although I wasn't given to much attention over the years by her, she always made efforts to keep me protected from breaking. She would only use me on nights where she felt particularly lonely or depressed. I symbolized a better time and often had the power to transport her emotionally to occasions which she treasured the most.
Q:Where did the concept of a lanterns come from?
A: They were a Chinese innovation; they were popularly used in special occasions such as Weddings or funerals. The Lanterns have many various meanings to the Chinese. There is not one universal meaning for them in the culture.
Q: Where have you been, under whose possession?
A: I was fabricated in a factory then was purchase at a local market by your Great Grandfather. He held on to me for a good while, then offered me as a gift to your Great Grandmother while they were dating.
Q: Who cares about you most?
A: Your grandmother worried excessively about me, in view of the fact I was a very expensive gift back in her days.Her deceased husband generously went out of his way to labor for and impart me to her. I was one of the very few items she still possessed that at one point belonged to him. Nonetheless, you care about me most. You are aware that I am inexpensive object consuming space and time in your life however, in your eyes I am priceless. You continually take great pleasure in the thought and sight of me.
Q: What are you worth?
A: I am not worth anymore than 5 dollars, but I have sentimental value to you and your Great Grandmother.
Q: What was your original purpose?
A: Illuminate in the dark for those having a hard time-bring light to the dark.
Q: Why were you given to me?
A:Your Great Grandmother knew of her coming death and was giving away her possessions to close family members.She felt by imparting to you this little lantern you would carry a piece of her.
Q: What do I mean to you?
A: You mean the world to me although, I maybe only a the most insignificant part of yours. Not all objects are fortunate enough to be recognized as more than just a decoration. I realize to most people am a plain knickknack you picked up along your life journey but I am more than that to you, so you are more than just a freeholder to me. Your my friend, my confidant, my buddy.
Q: How long were you kept for, and where?
A: I've been around for 31 years. For 13 of them I hung from a tiny string suspend from the ceiling. I was then put away in a drawer for 8 years and finally came to be in your possession for the last 8 years.
Q: Do you think i’ll ever forget about you?
A: I hope you don't, but if for whatever reason you do, I trust somewhere along the way you remember me and do as you Grandmother did. Pass me along to an individual who will also associate me with pleasurable memory.
A: I signified her cheerful youth, I represented a memory of what life was for her before it started taking things away. Although I wasn't given to much attention over the years by her, she always made efforts to keep me protected from breaking. She would only use me on nights where she felt particularly lonely or depressed. I symbolized a better time and often had the power to transport her emotionally to occasions which she treasured the most.
Q:Where did the concept of a lanterns come from?
A: They were a Chinese innovation; they were popularly used in special occasions such as Weddings or funerals. The Lanterns have many various meanings to the Chinese. There is not one universal meaning for them in the culture.
Q: Where have you been, under whose possession?
A: I was fabricated in a factory then was purchase at a local market by your Great Grandfather. He held on to me for a good while, then offered me as a gift to your Great Grandmother while they were dating.
Q: Who cares about you most?
A: Your grandmother worried excessively about me, in view of the fact I was a very expensive gift back in her days.Her deceased husband generously went out of his way to labor for and impart me to her. I was one of the very few items she still possessed that at one point belonged to him. Nonetheless, you care about me most. You are aware that I am inexpensive object consuming space and time in your life however, in your eyes I am priceless. You continually take great pleasure in the thought and sight of me.
Q: What are you worth?
A: I am not worth anymore than 5 dollars, but I have sentimental value to you and your Great Grandmother.
Q: What was your original purpose?
A: Illuminate in the dark for those having a hard time-bring light to the dark.
Q: Why were you given to me?
A:Your Great Grandmother knew of her coming death and was giving away her possessions to close family members.She felt by imparting to you this little lantern you would carry a piece of her.
Q: What do I mean to you?
A: You mean the world to me although, I maybe only a the most insignificant part of yours. Not all objects are fortunate enough to be recognized as more than just a decoration. I realize to most people am a plain knickknack you picked up along your life journey but I am more than that to you, so you are more than just a freeholder to me. Your my friend, my confidant, my buddy.
Q: How long were you kept for, and where?
A: I've been around for 31 years. For 13 of them I hung from a tiny string suspend from the ceiling. I was then put away in a drawer for 8 years and finally came to be in your possession for the last 8 years.
Q: Do you think i’ll ever forget about you?
A: I hope you don't, but if for whatever reason you do, I trust somewhere along the way you remember me and do as you Grandmother did. Pass me along to an individual who will also associate me with pleasurable memory.
Avisely Solis is a full time student at California State Northridge studying Anthropology and Psychology .