Keeping an 800-year-old fish lantern tradition alive
As night falls in Zhanqi village, Shexian County, Anhui Province, glowing fish lanterns weave through the narrow lanes of this ancient village. More than festive decorations, they are part of a folk tradition dating back over 800 years to the Southern Song Dynasty.
Traditionally made with bamboo frames and paper coverings, these lanterns are often shaped like carp, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. Today, visitors can try making and painting their own fish lanterns. In these hands-on workshops, fabric is used instead of paper because it is easier to color and more resistant to tearing.
The tradition is also part of everyday village life. Every weekend, local residents carry illuminated fish lanterns through the village, inviting visitors to join the nighttime parade and experience this centuries-old custom firsthand.
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