Revelers release paper lanterns Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006 in Pinghsi, Taipei county, Taiwan.

According to the legend, people in the remote village of Pinghsi used paper lanterns skyward to signal that all was at peace in the village during troubled times.

This brought the custom of launching lanterns, often inscribed with expressions of prayers, and people believe that the higher the lanterns go, the more the heaven can hear their prayers.