A lantern is a portable, usually hand-held device that typically consists of a frame, a handle and a light source. The light source can be an open flame or an electric bulb enclosed within a glass or plastic globe. Lanterns have been used for centuries as sources of illumination in various settings such as outdoor gatherings, religious ceremonies, and emergency situations. They come in many shapes and sizes, from small hand-held models to large free-standing structures that can provide bright light over a wide area. The term "lantern" is also used more broadly to refer to any device that produces light, such as flashlights or headlamps.