As the Spring Festival ushers in the Lunar New Year, the coastal town of Shipu in Xiangshan County, Zhejiang Province, east China, comes alive with a radiant display of fish lanterns—a tradition that has illuminated the lives of local fishermen for generations.
These vibrant lanterns, meticulously handcrafted by local artisans like Bao Jiqin, are more than mere decorations; they symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and the enduring connection between the sea and those who depend on it.
Shipu, with its rich maritime heritage, has long celebrated the Spring Festival by adorning its streets and boats with glowing fish lanterns. Each lantern, fashioned from bamboo frames and colorful paper, embodies the hopes and blessings of the fishing community.
\"Creating these lanterns is a way to honor our ancestors and keep our cultural heritage alive,\" says Bao, demonstrating the intricate process of building a lantern. \"The fish represents abundance, and lighting the lanterns is our wish for a bountiful year ahead.\"
The tradition draws visitors from across the region, eager to witness the mesmerizing spectacle of illuminated lanterns swaying gently with the sea breeze, casting shimmering reflections on the water—a testament to the enduring spirit of Shipu's people.
As modernity sweeps through China's rapidly developing landscape, the fish lanterns of Shipu stand as a luminous reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions that bring communities together during times of celebration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
