Jiaodong Bobo

During various traditional festivals, the intelligent and hardworking rural women of Jiaodong use dough to create symbolic figures such as mandarin ducks, carp, dragons, phoenixes, longevity peaches, and others. These creations are steamed, cooled, and painted with vibrant colors to become vivid artworks, used for sacrifices, worship, decoration, food, or gifts to family and friends.

As a form of traditional folk art, Jiaodong Bobo plays a significant role in folk customs. It is typically categorized into several major types, including those for weddings, the “song san” (a ritual to release the souls on the third day after death), centenarian celebrations, and Chinese New Year activities.