I’ve wanted to bring a bit more of the Japanese spirit of Halloween into my decorations, and what better way to do that than by creating your own Haunted Japanese Lantern!

Also known as Chōchin Obake, this ghostly paper lantern belongs to the tsukumogami subcategory of yōkai, spirits that inhabit old or discarded tools and items. According to folklore, these objects gain a spirit after one hundred years, which explains the often tattered or imperfect appearance of such yōkai. Perfect inspiration for homemade crafts!

crochet part is only the tongue