driteli

Driteli is a traditional hand-held lantern used in communal and ceremonial contexts in several cultural traditions. Characterized by a lightweight frame and translucent panels, the driteli is designed to protect a small flame or light source while allowing illumination to be carried during processions, festivals, and evening gatherings.

The name is derived from regional linguistic roots and has been applied to a variety of shapes and construction techniques. Typical materials include thin wood or wire for the frame and paper, fabric, or thin glass for the panels. Some designs incorporate cutwork or painted ornamentation that casts patterned light. The interior may hold a candle, oil lamp, or, in contemporary versions, a battery-powered electric bulb.

Functionally, the driteli serves both practical and symbolic purposes. It provides portable lighting for nocturnal activities and acts as a marker of communal participation in rites and seasonal observances. In many traditions, driteli are made and decorated collaboratively, and their design can signify regional identity, family affiliation, or the occasion being celebrated.

Production of driteli ranges from artisanal handcraft to small-scale commercial manufacture. Modern adaptations often prioritize safety and durability while retaining traditional aesthetics. The object has also appeared in contemporary art and design as a motif that explores themes of memory, light, and community. Preservation efforts frequently focus on documenting construction techniques and the social practices associated with the driteli.