Lin’s Martial Dragon Lantern

The Lin's Martial Dragon Lantern dates back to between 1730 and 1750, during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng in the Qing dynasty. At that time, the elders of the "Zhong" generation within the Lin clan called upon the 18 branches of the family to come together. Their vision was to promote unity and harmony among all Lin family members in Zihu through the practice of martial dragon lantern performances. This tradition combined clan sacrifice with dragon dances performed to pray for favorable weather and the health and well-being of all family members in the coming year. Since then, during the first lunar month of each year, the Lin clan in Zihu has celebrated in this distinctive way, faithfully preserving the customs passed down through generations.

Lin's Martial Dragon Lantern has, to the greatest extent possible, preserved the original martial lantern techniques, rituals, and materials. The dragon's tail is constructed in the same manner as the head, using bamboo strips and colored paper. The dragon's body consists of 18 sections, each contributed by one of the 18 halls representing the branches of the Lin family in Zihu. Round holes are drilled in wooden planks, which are then connected using lamp tips and crank mechanisms. Several colorful bamboo cages are mounted on top, and two wooden handles are attached for carrying. The head of the dragon lantern stands about four meters tall and features a prominent character "王" (King) on its forehead, with protruding eyes and a wide mouth, giving it an exaggerated and imposing appearance. In contrast, the body is relatively small and exquisitely crafted, allowing for dynamic and flexible movement.

During the first lunar month, the Lin clan ancestral temple in Zihu Town is brightly lit and filled with crowds of people. The Martial Dragon Lantern is assembled in the temple courtyard before winding its way toward the village square. As the Lin family members wave the dragon, the entire creature appears lifelike. Illuminated from within, the dragon's body shines brilliantly against the dark night sky. It sways its head and flicks its tail as if soaring through the air or plunging through the waves, tracing a long, graceful arc of light through the darkness with every twist and leap.