Fish Lantern Festival

According to research by Shandong folklorist Shan Man in his article “An Investigation and Study of the Fish Lantern Festival in Penglai, Shandong” from Chinese Fish Island Folklore, the Fish Lantern Festival originated as a unique holiday for fishermen, stemming from the Lantern Festival over 500 years ago.

The festival initially evolved from the worship of the Sea God, with fishermen praying for safe voyages and bountiful catches through rituals such as blessings and offerings. Over time, as history progressed and society changed, the festival incorporated various elements, including performances such as opera and dance galas, as well as float parades. It has also given rise to innovations like the Fish Lantern Cultural Festival and the grand Sea Sacrifice Ceremony. Iconic imagery, such as “a thousand lanterns” and “red flags fluttering,” has transformed what was once an ancient and loosely organized ritual of worship and prayer into a grand celebration of contemporary fishing culture.

Today, the festival is a cultural feast supported by the government, enterprises, and village organizations, with active participation from the fishermen themselves. It has become an important part of the inheritance of ancient traditional folk culture in China.