As the Spring Festival approaches, the coastal county of Xiangshan in Ningbo City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, comes alive with the flicker of fish lanterns. These luminous creations, symbols of abundance, prosperity, and renewal, are an enduring legacy passed down through generations.
Rooted in the ancient Chinese saying “年年有余” (nián nián yǒu yú), meaning “May you have surplus year after year,” the fish lanterns embody the hopes of fishermen and residents alike for a bountiful and joyous new year. More than mere decorations, they are a tribute to Xiangshan’s rich seafaring heritage and a reflection of the community’s wishes for prosperity.
At the heart of this tradition is Bao Jiqin, a master craftsman now in his 80s who has dedicated decades to perfecting the art of fish lantern making. Born in Shipu, a town in Xiangshan, Bao nurtured a love for drawing from a young age and began crafting carp lanterns as a child. Following the establishment of Xiangshan’s first Fishing Season Festival in the late 1990s—a celebration marking the start of a new fishing season after the annual moratorium—Bao expanded his designs to include a variety of marine life such as yellow croakers and cuttlefish.
To ensure his lanterns authentically represent marine creatures, Bao has amassed a collection of books and materials on marine life, meticulously studying fish shapes and behaviors. His dedication ensures that each lantern is not only a work of art but also an accurate portrayal of the sea’s inhabitants.
Every year, on the 14th day of the first lunar month, Xiangshan County hosts a vibrant parade where locals proudly carry their fish lanterns through the streets, illuminating the night and celebrating the onset of the new year. The procession is a vivid tapestry of color and light, reflecting the community’s shared hopes and the enduring spirit of their traditions.
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Legacy Trails: Illuminating Spring Festival with fish lanterns
cgtn.com
