As the Spring Festival approaches, the coastal county of Xiangshan in Ningbo City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, comes alive with vibrant traditions. Among them, the crafting of fish lanterns stands out as a luminous symbol of abundance, prosperity, and renewal.
Rooted in the ancient Chinese saying “年年有余” (nián nián yǒu yú), meaning “May you have surplus year after year,” these lanterns embody the fishermen’s hopes for a bountiful and joyous new year. For generations, local artisans have meticulously handcrafted fish lanterns, not only as decorative pieces but as tributes to their seafaring heritage.
One such craftsman is 80-year-old Bao Jiqin from Shipu, a town in Xiangshan. With a passion for drawing since childhood, Bao began making carp lanterns at a young age. In the late 1990s, following Xiangshan’s inaugural Fishing Season Festival—a celebration marking the start of a new fishing season after the moratorium—Bao expanded his repertoire to include a variety of marine life, such as yellow croakers and cuttlefish.
“I wanted my lanterns to reflect the diversity of the sea,” Bao shares. To capture the authentic appearance of these creatures, he amassed collections of books and materials on marine life, studying their shapes and behaviors meticulously.
Every year, on the 14th day of the first lunar month, Xiangshan County hosts a vibrant parade. Locals proudly carry their illuminated fish lanterns through the streets, lighting up the night and heralding the start of a prosperous new year.
The tradition of fish lanterns not only preserves the cultural heritage of Xiangshan’s residents but also connects generations, passing down hopes and blessings through the warm glow of handcrafted light.
Reference(s):
Legacy Trails: Illuminating Spring Festival with fish lanterns
cgtn.com
