Nanjing’s Lantern Parade Makes Waves with Ancient Symbolism
This weekend, the streets of Nanjing transformed into a glowing underwater wonderland as giant fish-shaped lanterns stole the spotlight during a dazzling parade . The event, held in Jiangsu Province, drew crowds eager to celebrate Spring Festival traditions with a modern twist.
Why fish? In Chinese culture, fish (鱼, yú) symbolize prosperity and abundance due to their homophonic link to the word “surplus” (余, yú). Serving fish during Lunar New Year meals is a centuries-old practice, representing hopes for wealth and longevity.
Social media buzzed with videos of the luminous lanterns – some as long as buses – “swimming” through the city like a joyous school of metallic koi. Locals and tourists alike called it a “perfect blend of heritage and creativity.”
With dragon dances and drum performances adding to the energy, the parade proved that ancient symbols still make a splash in 2024. As one attendee laughed: “Who needs confetti when you’ve got glittering scales?”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com