How about a dance of light and tradition? Welcome to Fish Lantern Square. This square is more than just open space. It is a stage for a vibrant cultural performance tied to the sea.
The Fish Lantern Square echoes with the tales of the Shatoujiao fish lantern dance. It is a folk dance that sprung to life in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. The dance originated in Shalanxia village. It also gained popularity in Yantian, Tam Shui Hang, and Kong Ha New Village in Hong Kong’s New Territories.
Imagine the ancestors of Shalanxia creating this dance. Their lives were intertwined with fishing. Their knowledge of fish shaped this unique art form. For 300 years, the dance has been passed down. It became an essential part of festivals, worship, and harvests.
Picture a night performance at Fish Lantern Square. The only light comes from the fish lanterns themselves. This creates a hazy underwater feeling. You can see all kinds of fish happily playing in the water. It is a truly striking image.
Consider the props used in the fish lantern dance. Bamboo is carefully crafted into fish-shaped frames. Paper is then glued onto the frames. Flour, leather glue, and paint bring the fish to life with color. A coat of tung oil protects the lanterns from rain and moisture. Performers hold a 20-centimeter-long stick inserted into the fish’s belly. They dance with the lanterns.
The lanterns represent various offshore shallow water fish and freshwater fish. You might see beautiful red carp lanterns. Perhaps you will spot cunning goldfish lanterns. There might even be arrogant yellow blotched snakeheads.
Before a new fish lantern is used, it is blessed. This blessing occurs in the Wu Ancestral Hall. On the 15th day of the first lunar month, the dance is performed in front of the Tianhou Palace.
The fish lantern dance is accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments. Drums, conch horns, gongs, cymbals, small gongs, and pellet drums create the rhythm. The most special instrument is the long-bodied snare drum. This drum is helmet-shaped. It stands 40 centimeters tall but is only 20 centimeters in diameter.
The Shatoujiao fish lantern dance is a square dance with Lingnan characteristics. This makes it unique in China. It is of importance to the study of Lingnan culture, marine culture, esthetics, folklore, and faith worship.
As we stand here at Fish Lantern Square, remember the dance. It is a living tradition. It connects the community to its past. The square serves as a reminder of the cultural heritage of this area. The fish lanterns continue to light up the square. They light up the hearts of those who witness their beauty.