As the Spring Festival approaches, the coastal county of Xiangshan in east China’s Zhejiang Province comes alive with the vibrant glow of fish lanterns. Craftsmen dedicate themselves to creating these luminous symbols of abundance, prosperity, and renewal, rooted in the ancient 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 in Xiangshan. More than just decorations, these lanterns are a tribute to the residents’ seafaring heritage and a reflection of their hopes for a bountiful new year.
Bao Jiqin, now in his 80s, has spent decades perfecting this craft. Born in Shipu, a town in Xiangshan, Bao’s passion for drawing led him to create carp lanterns from a young age. After Xiangshan held its first Fishing Season Festival in the late 1990s—a celebration marking the end of the fishing moratorium and the start of a new season—Bao expanded his designs to include a variety of marine life such as yellow croakers and cuttlefish. To capture the authenticity of each creature, he meticulously studied books and materials on marine life, focusing on their shapes and behaviors.
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 walk through the streets, illuminating the night and celebrating the hopes and dreams that the new year brings.
Reference(s):
Legacy Trails: Illuminating Spring Festival with fish lanterns
cgtn.com
