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 are more than decorative art; they are symbols of abundance, prosperity, and renewal, 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 craft of making fish lanterns. These lanterns embody the hopes and dreams of fishermen for a bountiful and joyous new year, reflecting the community’s seafaring heritage and their wishes for prosperity.
One of the most dedicated craftsmen keeping this tradition alive is Bao Jiqin. Now in his 80s, Bao was born in Shipu, a town in Xiangshan. His passion for drawing since childhood led him to start making carp lanterns at a young age. Following the first Fishing Season Festival in the late 1990s—a celebration marking the start of a new fishing season after the fishing moratorium—Bao expanded his designs to include a variety of marine life such as yellow croakers and cuttlefish. To capture the true essence of these creatures, he meticulously studied marine life, collecting books and materials to perfect the shapes and behaviors depicted in his lanterns.
Every year, on the 14th day of the first lunar month, Xiangshan County hosts a spectacular parade. Locals proudly hold their handcrafted fish lanterns high as they walk through the streets, illuminating the night and celebrating the start of the new year. This dazzling display not only preserves a cherished tradition but also unites the community in a shared expression of cultural heritage and optimism for the future.
Reference(s):
Legacy Trails: Illuminating Spring Festival with fish lanterns
cgtn.com
