As the Spring Festival approaches, the coastal county of Xiangshan in east China’s Zhejiang Province comes alive with the glow of fish lanterns. These luminous creations, symbols of abundance, prosperity, and renewal, are deeply rooted in the ancient Chinese saying “年年有余” (nián nián yǒu yú), meaning “May you have surplus year after year.”
For generations, the residents of Xiangshan have passed down the intricate art of making fish lanterns. More than mere decorations, these lanterns are a tribute to their seafaring heritage and embody the fishermen’s hopes for a bountiful and joyous new year.
At the heart of this tradition is Bao Jiqin, a master craftsman now in his 80s. Born in the town of Shipu, Bao developed a passion for drawing and began crafting carp lanterns from a young age. In the late 1990s, following Xiangshan’s first Fishing Season Festival—a celebration marking the end of the fishing moratorium and the start of a new season—he expanded his designs to include a variety of marine life such as yellow croakers and cuttlefish. To ensure authenticity, Bao meticulously studies fish shapes and behaviors, collecting books and materials on marine life to capture their essence in his lanterns.
Every year, on the 14th day of the first lunar month, Xiangshan County hosts a vibrant parade. Locals proudly carry their handcrafted fish lanterns through the streets, illuminating the night with a kaleidoscope of colors and celebrating the advent of the new year. This annual tradition not only reinforces community bonds but also keeps the legacy of the fish lanterns alive for future generations.
Reference(s):
Legacy Trails: Illuminating Spring Festival with fish lanterns
cgtn.com
