Guancheng traditional lantern

Introduction

In the warm glow of a thousand lanterns, amidst the lively hustle and bustle, traditional lanterns hold a special place in China's festive culture. Chinese lanterns own a history of thousands of years, and each place has its own lanterns with different characteristics. Dongguan's lanterns are exquisitely made, integrating painting, paper-cutting, weaving and other crafts. 

Whether in the past or present, handcrafted lanterns not only enhance the joyful atmosphere of festivals but also inspire people with wishes for health, peace, and happiness. 

In Dongguan dialect, the pronunciation of the word for lantern, "Deng(灯)," is similar to the pronunciation of "Ding(丁)," which is used to refer to a newborn son. During the Spring Festival, hanging lanterns at banquets symbolizes the wish for a flourishing family with abundant descendants.

As a unique traditional craft, the flower lanterns in Guancheng are also representatives of Dongguan's intangible cultural heritage, and their production process is delicate and intricate.

By engaging in the traditional craft of flower lantern making, foreign friends had a deeper understanding of this traditional culture. They experience the enchantment of the traditional culture and immerse themselves in the rich festive atmosphere.

This lantern-making event not only opened a window for cultural exchange but also brought forth an extraordinary cultural feast.

Making Process

During the lantern-making process, Sparkles and Henry had a pleasant time with Wang Haojun, the municipal-level inheritor of the traditional lantern-making craft in Guancheng.

From the delicate dance of paper cutting to the intricate assembly, every step evokes gasps of admiration. At first they were very unfamiliar with the skills of bamboo lanterns, but as they learned and practiced, they became more proficient and completed every step patiently and carefully.

Wang's patient guidance serves as a gateway for them to immerse themselves in Chinese traditional culture through the artistry of lantern craftsmanship. In just one hour, they successfully completed a small flower lantern.

Sparkles and Henry developed a deep interest in Chinese lantern culture during their learning process. They expressed sincere admiration for Master Wang's craftsmanship, marveling not only at the exquisite artistry of the lanterns but also at their rich cultural significance.

After Activity

When asked about the experience of making beautiful lanterns, she replied, "It's really fun! This is totally different from the lanterns I have seen or made before, and experiencing it in person is completely different from watching others make it. "

Delicate and Beautiful

She said, "Besides, the production of this lantern requires a lot of concentration and patience for the reason that it's very delicate and beautiful, and the different meanings behind the lanterns also make them special."

Old streets in Guancheng

At the same time, they also remarked that traditional culture of this kind has become increasingly rare. As they strolled through the streets of Guancheng, they were amazed.

They hope for more promotion of similar activities as they find them extremely interesting and meaningful for foreigners. They are eager to share such experiences with everyone and look forward to involving friends and family in these endeavors.

The End