China News Service, Ningbo, February 17th (Fang Kun and Wu Ligao) People were coming and going at Youshi Ancient Theater in Qiangjiao Town, Ninghai County, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province on February 16th, with many villagers and tourists coming and going. They gathered together to make realistic Ninghai Bay fish lanterns in preparation for the upcoming Lantern Festival Fish Lantern Festival.
The fish lanterns symbolize prosperity and good luck every year. Qiangjiao Town is located on the shore of Ninghai Bay, where local villagers have been farming, animal husbandry and fishing for generations. According to legend, in ancient times, when villagers went to sea, disasters often occurred. In order to seek safety, the villagers used fish in the sea as samples and made fish-shaped lanterns with both physical and spiritual features, expressing their high hopes for safety, auspiciousness, and returning home with a full load.
Villagers in a fishing village are making fish lanterns. Photo by Tong Junlin
Every year during the Spring Festival, villagers hang exquisite homemade fish lanterns on their doorsteps, dance the fish lanterns and parade in groups on the eve of the Lantern Festival. This tradition has been going on in the local area for hundreds of years.
The reporter saw at the scene that these fish lights are composed of three parts: fish head, fish body and fish tail, and can swing flexibly. The person holding the fish lantern can imitate various postures of fish swimming in the water by swinging left and right, forward and backward, etc.
With flexible dragon-shaped fish heads, glittering golden scales, and dancing big tails, the fish lanterns of different shapes are full of cuteness, attracting many tourists to watch and take photos. The largest of these fish lanterns is 4 meters long, and the smallest is dozens of centimeters. With a dazzling array of fish lanterns and an antique stage, Qiangjiao Town is filled with a festive atmosphere of having "fish" every year.
Children are dancing fish lanterns. Photo by Tong Junlin
"The fish lantern is beautiful to look at, but the whole production process is not simple." Fisherman "Qiao Niang" You Tingting said that the fish lantern is a traditional handicraft. The fish body is made of bamboo strips and the fish skin is made of rice paper to make a fish lantern. It needs to go through more than ten processes such as tying the frame, shaping the cloth, outlining the lines, and painting the fish scales.
"According to our local custom, after the 'Fourteenth Night', the entire Spring Festival is over, and fishermen will go to sea to make a living after this day." You Tingting said that every year during the Lantern Festival, villagers would dance large and small fish lanterns. Traveling through the streets and alleys has now developed into a unique local folk cultural activity.
It is reported that during the Spring Festival holiday this year, the local area will hold the "Wonderful Night of Fishes and Dragons Going to the Sea to Enchant Jiaojiao" Lantern Festival event, and carry out "Fish and Dragons in Blue Bay", "Blue Bay Tour", "Green Island Blessings", "Fishermen Welcoming Lanterns" and "Fish Lantern Delivery" There are six chapters including "Blessing" and "Big Fish Going to the Sea". By then, Ninghai Bay will be lit up by thousands of fish lanterns. In order to welcome tourists from all over the world, local villagers will also use seafood and other ingredients to prepare various delicacies, allowing people to enjoy the delicious food and spend the festival together with laughter and laughter. (over)