Before dawn today a small group gathered in silence at the Sacramento River to release 1,848 paper lanterns in remembrance of Chinese immigrants.

Lisa Franklin, a Sac State child development grad student getting a second degree in art history, made a memorial to the Chinese immigrants who traveled to California in 1848 to seek a new life. The lanterns represented Chinese tradition and the river was the same the immigrants worked and founded their towns around.

“The silent reflection makes it poetic. What you take away from the experience is important,” Franklin said.

Setting each lantern to drift as she floated down the river, Franklin created a memorial and piece of moving art for her ancestors who built levees, goldmines and railroads.

“If it weren’t for the idea of them coming, I wouldn’t be here today,” she said.

Inspired by the film “Bittersweet Roots”, a KVIE documentary about the Chinese workers in California, Franklin held the ceremony in the Locke and Walnut Grove area to commemorate where the American Chinese heritage began.

The number of lanterns symbolized the year the first group of Chinese immigrants settled during the gold rush.

“They made the journey to look for fortune and a better life. It is a memorial to their journey,” Franklin said.

Some watched the procession from bridges and roads, taking time to reflect on the river and the history of the Chinese people.

“We love that this came at this particular time when we sent our athletes to China, everyone is learning so much about China,” said Sacramento resident Jim Black.

Spectator Sara Zeigler thought the movement and quietness of the river was a great memorial to the Chinese in California history.

“When she goes by I want to applaud, but it is really a sacred moment for all the immigrants, for their sacrifice and dedication,” Zeigler said.

Franklin appropriately held the ceremony during the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, known as the Lantern Festival.

Chloe Daley can be reached at [email protected]