Feidong Yangshe Lantern
18 years we wait so long— Tonight the snake dances proud and strong!
🏮Snake Lantern Story
⭐ Origins
Long ago, at the end of the Yuan dynasty and the beginning of the Ming, a grandmother and her daughter‑in‑law from Shao Village were chased by soldiers. They hid in a cave, but danger was close. Suddenly, a huge white python flew down from the cliff! The soldiers were so scared that they ran away, and the two women were safe. The villagers believed this python was the ‘Snake God of the Eastern Sea.’ To thank it for saving lives, they made lanterns shaped like a snake, called the ‘Ocean Snake Lantern.’ This tradition was passed down from generation to generation.
🧠Quick Cards on Rituals & Traditions
Q: Snake lantern—how's it made?
A: Tie and twist, carve and hook— Bend and press—take a look! Lining added, nice and neat— Old masters teach with hands and feet!
Q: What makes the Yang Snake Lantern special?
A: Comes out once every 18 years. Grows longer each time. Now 128 meters long. A snake that grows—but only wakes up once in a blue moon!
Q: How does the Yang Snake Lantern move?
A: Three cool moves: Snake Rises from Sea. Rock the Cart. Coil the Pagoda! With drums and cannons: BOOM! BANG!
Q: How is the snake's body made?
A:Bamboo frame + white cloth. Light candles inside—scales magically appear! Eyes glow too. At night, the snake comes alive!
Q:What kinds of arts were mixed in?
A:Stories + family love + dancing moves— That's what makes the snake lantern groove!
🌟Bye-bye, snake lantern— Happy times stay forever!
📚Resources:
Baidu Baike
China Heritage Museum and Museum of Non-Traditional Cultural Heritage
Xinhua Net
Tencent