As the Spring Festival approaches, the coastal county of Xiangshan in east China’s Zhejiang Province comes alive with vibrant colors and artisans’ bustling activities. Local craftsmen are diligently preparing fish lanterns, time-honored symbols 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 the residents of Xiangshan, fish lanterns are not merely decorations; they are a tribute to their seafaring heritage and a reflection of their deepest wishes for prosperity.
Bao Jiqin, a master craftsman now in his 80s, has dedicated decades to perfecting the art of lantern-making. Born in Shipu, a town in Xiangshan, Bao developed a love for drawing in his childhood and began crafting carp lanterns at a young age. The late 1990s saw the advent of Xiangshan’s first Fishing Season Festival—a celebration marking the start of a new fishing season following the fishing moratorium. This inspired Bao to expand his designs to include a variety of marine life, such as yellow croakers and cuttlefish.
To ensure his lanterns accurately capture the essence of real fish, Bao has amassed a collection of books and materials on marine life, meticulously studying their shapes and behaviors. His dedication brings a lifelike quality to the lanterns, enchanting all who see them.
Every year, on the 14th day of the first lunar month, Xiangshan County bursts into celebration as locals parade through the streets, holding their fish lanterns high. The glow of the lanterns illuminates the night, symbolizing hope and prosperity as the community ushers in the new year with joy and unity.
Reference(s):
Legacy Trails: Illuminating Spring Festival with fish lanterns
cgtn.com
