The life force of traditional lanterns

The lantern culture has a deep-rooted history in Taiwan. Chiayi City is home to many traditional lantern makers who still hand-paint lanterns stroke by stroke. Since the advent of plastic lanterns and fluorescent sticks, the traditional paper lantern industry has gradually waned; however, paper lanterns have a traditional feel that is quite simply irreplaceable.

In the past, people began learning the art of lantern making in their youth from elders, and lanterns remained an integral part of their lives. Sadly, nowadays, people tend to buy ready-made lanterns, which they quickly discard after having some fun. But such lanterns can’t compare with hand-made ones, which are infused with the maker's life force and helping to keep alive an age-old traditional art form.

以下為中文對照

燈籠文化在台灣已深耕多年，嘉義市更是有許多巷弄的手工燈籠，師傅們更一筆一畫的注入文字之美。自從塑膠燈籠和螢光棒興起後，傳統的紙紮燈籠便慢慢被忽略，其實紙紮燈籠始終有着無法被取代的傳統味道。

燈籠師傅年少時，就已經與家中長輩學習技藝，在他們的人生當中，燈籠陪伴他們無數歲月。不過現在人大都花錢買現成的花燈，玩過後就當廢物丟棄一旁，其實倒不如自己親手做，除了能夠感受燈籠的生命力，也同時可以將燈籠的技藝繼續傳承下去。

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