In the heart of Dongyang, Zhejiang Province, winter nights are glowing brighter than ever as artisans craft the iconic 'bench loong' lanterns—a tradition uniting locals ahead of the Spring Festival.
Picture this: families donating wooden benches, skilled hands weaving bamboo and silk into intricate dragon-shaped lanterns, and neighbors buzzing with excitement. These dazzling creations, symbols of prosperity and togetherness, will soon parade through villages, lighting up festivities like a scene from a cultural epic.
'It's not just about the lanterns—it’s about pride in our heritage,' says local artisan Li Wei, 34. 'Every stitch and stitch binds us closer as a community.' With less than a month until Lunar New Year, the air thrums with anticipation.
Why does this matter? Beyond the artistry, the loong lantern tradition is a masterclass in teamwork—a reminder that even in our digital age, hands-on collaboration can spark magic.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com