As the Spring Festival approaches, the coastal county of Xiangshan in Ningbo City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, comes alive with the vibrant glow of fish lanterns. These luminous creations, symbols of abundance, prosperity, and renewal, are 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 art of making fish lanterns has been a cherished tradition among Xiangshan’s residents. More than mere decorations, these lanterns are a tribute to the community’s 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 Shipu, a town in Xiangshan, Bao developed a passion for drawing in his childhood and began crafting carp lanterns at a young age. “Creating fish lanterns is not just about art; it’s about preserving our heritage,” Bao reflects.
In the late 1990s, following the inaugural Fishing Season Festival—a celebration marking the end of the fishing moratorium and the start of a new season—Bao expanded his repertoire. He introduced lantern designs featuring a variety of marine life, including yellow croakers and cuttlefish. To capture the authentic appearance of these creatures, Bao meticulously studied books and materials on marine biology, focusing on the shapes and behaviors of different fish species.
Every year, on the 14th day of the first lunar month, Xiangshan County hosts a grand parade. Locals carry their handcrafted fish lanterns high as they weave through the streets, illuminating the night with a sea of lights. The parade is not only a visual spectacle but also a profound expression of communal pride and cultural identity.
“The fish lantern parade is the highlight of our year,” says a Xiangshan resident. “It’s a time when we come together to celebrate our past and look forward to the future.”
For visitors and cultural enthusiasts, Xiangshan’s fish lantern tradition offers a unique glimpse into China’s rich maritime culture. As globalization accelerates, such traditions serve as vital links to the past, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging among the community and beyond.
Reference(s):
Legacy Trails: Illuminating Spring Festival with fish lanterns
cgtn.com
