They are also known as "Kong Ming" lanterns, after the brilliant military strategist of the era (also known as Zhuge Liang), who sent them skyward at night to confuse rival general Sima Yi's astrological divinations. Later they were adopted by the common folk, who used them to convey their wishes to Heaven.
當時的用途在於傳遞軍情，並利用漂浮於天空的天燈，造成錯誤的「星象」，來誤導對手司馬懿的大軍。後來流傳到民間，成為人們向老天爺祈福的工具。