80 fish lantern swim in ChengDu
As the Chinese Spring Festival approaches, the long streets are aglow with brilliant lights, filled with the hustle and bustle of people. The fish lantern shine like twinkling stars in the night sky, illuminating countless beautiful and unforgettable nights.
The lantern has a long history, originating from ancient sacrificial activities to pray for favorable weather and a good harvest in the coming year.
In ancient China,every time the festival comes, people usually light up traditional Chinese lanterns to celebrate festivals, to pray the weather will be good and the grain will be abundant in the coming year. Such as people will gather together to light up large sky floating lanterns for praying, you can also put a China sky lantern for each person, make your own good wishes,You can also shuttle in the busy streets with your good friends carrying fish lanterns to feel the festive atmosphere, and ordinary people will light a red lantern in front of the door to ward off evil spirits and avoid disasters.
Fish, as aquatic creatures with strong reproductive capabilities and vigorous vitality, have been endowed with auspicious meanings such as “abundance every year” and “wealth and prosperity.” Thus, the tradition of making fish lanterns to express people’s wishes was born.
The process of red fish lantern
The craftsmanship of making fish lanterns is exquisite and complex. Typically, the lanterns are made with bamboo strips bound together to form the frame, covered with white paper or white gauze, and then painted with patterns like fish scales. These patterns are not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in symbolic significance.
In recent years, while preserving traditional craftsmanship, Chinese lanterns have been innovated. For example, cotton paper has been replaced with durable fabric, and candles with colorful light bulbs, making the lanterns more robust, durable, and modern.
Lantern uses
The fish lantern is not only a handicraft but also a symbol of culture. It carries the Chinese people’s longing for a better life and their prayers. In many places, fish lanterns are closely connected with local folk activities.
In some areas, the custom of dancing with fish lanterns is a collective expression of fishermen’s joy over a bountiful catch and their aspiration for a better life. Every Lantern Festival, villagers dance with lanterns of various sizes, moving through the streets and alleys. This tradition has been passed down for hundreds of years. The dance routines of fish lanterns are diverse, including “Carp Waving Its Tail,” “Two Fish Competing for Food,” “Carp Playing in Water,” and “Fish Leaping over the Dragon Gate.”
Chinese people believe that touching the head of the fish brings no worries in life, touching the body brings lifelong happiness, and touching the tail brings smooth sailing. As a treasure of Chinese traditional culture, the fish lantern embodies people’s aspirations and prayers for a better life. With its unique shape, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich folk connotations, it shines brightly through the ages. We should cherish this cultural heritage and strive to inherit and promote the culture of fish lanterns, allowing them to continue to shine on the stage of the new era and convey auspiciousness and beauty.
The tradition of using lanterns dates back centuries and has been passed down from generation to generation. This ancient custom is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of many communities, serving as a vivid expression of people’s hopes and dreams for the future. The delicate art of crafting these lanterns often involves intricate paper-cutting techniques and vibrant colors, making them not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. It is a way for people to express their hopes and dreams for the future, as well as to celebrate the bounties of nature and the joys of life.
The fish lanterns symbolize prosperity, fertility, and harmony with the natural world, reflecting the close relationship between humans and the environment in these cultures. During festivals and special occasions, streets are filled with the soft glow of these lanterns, creating a magical and festive atmosphere. Whether it is during the bustling Lantern Festival, where thousands of colorful lanterns light up the night sky, or in smaller, more intimate celebrations, the fish lanterns bring a sense of unity and shared joy. They serve as a reminder of the importance of community, tradition, and the continuous cycle of life.
Each lantern tells a story, carrying the aspirations and wishes of its creator. This timeless tradition continues to captivate and inspire, preserving the rich cultural legacy for future generations to cherish and uphold.
