Legacy Trails: Illuminating Spring Festival with Fish Lanterns
As the Spring Festival approaches, the coastal county of Xiangshan in east China's Zhejiang Province comes alive with a glow unlike any other. Local craftsmen are busily preparing fish lanterns, traditional symbols of abundance, prosperity, and renewal that illuminate the festivities.
Rooted in the ancient Chinese saying "年年有余" (nián nián yǒu yú), meaning "May you have surplus year after year," fish lanterns embody the fishermen's hopes for a bountiful and joyous new year. For generations, the art of making these lanterns has been passed down, reflecting Xiangshan's rich seafaring heritage.
Among the dedicated artisans is Bao Jiqin, a craftsman in his 80s who has devoted decades to perfecting this luminous tradition. Born in Shipu, a town in Xiangshan, Bao has cherished drawing since childhood and began crafting carp lanterns at a young age. Following the late 1990s, when Xiangshan held its first Fishing Season Festival—a celebration marking the start of a new fishing season after the fishing moratorium—Bao expanded his repertoire. His creations now include a variety of marine life, such as yellow croakers and cuttlefish, each meticulously designed to capture the essence of real fish.
To achieve such authenticity, Bao has amassed a collection of books and materials on marine life, studying the shapes and behaviors of different species. His dedication ensures that each lantern is not just a decoration but a vivid embodiment of the sea's vitality.
Every year, on the 14th day of the first lunar month, Xiangshan County hosts a vibrant parade. Locals hold their fish lanterns high as they weave through the streets, the glowing forms dancing in the night. This luminous procession not only celebrates the new year but also strengthens community bonds and preserves a cherished cultural heritage.
The fish lanterns of Xiangshan are more than festive ornaments; they are a living tradition that bridges generations, illuminating the hopes and dreams of a community deeply connected to the sea.
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Legacy Trails: Illuminating Spring Festival with fish lanterns
cgtn.com
