Written by Catherine |
In China, it has been a tradition to set Chinese New Year firecrackersĀ to say goodbye to the past year and welcome the new year for thousands of years. When theĀ firecrackers from thousands of families lit up the night sky, it feasts the eyes of every person. The colorful fireworks break the silence just like the shooting stars andĀ burst in the air. It seems as if a garden in the sky is in full bloom suddenly. The fireworks not only form a lively and happy festival atmosphere, but also bear the Chinese wishes of family reunion and good fortune. Want to know more about it? Follow us to explore its origin, traditions, places to appreciate, etc, in this complete guide.
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- The Legend Behind Chinese New Year Firecrackers
- The Origins and Development of Chinese New Year Firecrackers
- Firecracker Traditions: Why Theyāre Used?
- When Firecrackers Are Set Off During CNY?
- Other Occasions to Light Firecrackers Besides Chinese New Year
- Regional Differences Across China
- Where to See Firecrackers Show During Chinese New Year?
- Rules and Restrictions of Setting off Firecrackers
- Firecracker Alternatives in China Now
- How Travellers Can Experience This Tradition Safely?
- Immerse in CNY Atmosphere with China Xian Tour
The Legend Behind Chinese New Year Firecrackers
Legend has it that in ancient China, there was an extremely fierce monster called āNianā. It usually lived in the deep sea, but on Chinese New Yearās Eve, it would climb ashore and hurt people. So on this day every year, all the people will escape to the deep mountain. While for one year, a white-haired man promised he could drive away āNianā.
When the beast came to the village as usual, a deafening sound of firecrackers came into its ears and it saw a house with red papers pasted on the doors and lights on in the courtyard. It felt scared and ran away. At this time, people found the three things the breast was most afraid of: red color, firelight and loud sound. Since then, every family will paste the red couplets, light the Chinese New Year firecrackers and maintain the lights on for the whole night.
The Origins and Development of Chinese New Year Firecrackers
Northern and Southern Dynasties
Initially, in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, people at that time would burn the bamboo to make it burst and produce sound when they got up early. They believed that in this way, the evil spirits could be warded off. āFirecrackersāĀ (meaning burning the bamboo in Chinese) then originated from this time.
Tang Dynasty
With the hope of finding the way to immortality, a wizard of the Tang Dynasty mixed the sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate together. Unexpectedly, the mixture caught fire and the gunpowder was produced. Later, the gunpowder was put into the bamboo tube or paper tube and lit. The first real firework was created.
Song Dynasty
Till the Song Dynasty, fireworks have been used in many celebrations. Even the art and science of fireworks making has become an independent profession. Whatās more, common people could also buy the simplified firecrackers from markets, making it a national custom.
Ming and Qing Dynasties
The firecrackers were already prevailing and had developed rapidly during the MingĀ and Qing dynasties. Various designs were produced at that time. Both the sound and light effects were emphasized. The fireworks were generally in the shape of boxes at that time. After it burst, beautiful patterns, like Changming Pagoda, were formed. In the later period, the higher version, flower fireworks, were created.
Modern Times
Besides traditional firecrackers, the environmentally-friendly fireworks appear as people’s environmental awareness gradually strengthens. This type does not contain heavy metals and sulfur. Also, people will use computers to design the layout, such as the position and types of fireworks. With the publication of firework prohibition rules, the electronic firework emerges. Using LED light arrays, high-light projectors or holographic imaging technologies, the designed firework animations and sound effects are displayed in the air or on the screen under the control of a computer program. So it can be used indoors. And it is completely safe and reusable. Till now, setting off firecrackers has become anĀ indispensable part of the Chinese New YearĀ and major festivals and events.
Firecracker Traditions: Why Theyāre Used?
From the legend and origin, it is not hard to find out that the firecrackers are used to ward off evil spirits. With time passing by, its symbolic meaning has evolved. It is also used to drive away bad luck and welcome good fortune. In the Chinese New Year, firecrackers are set off to mark the official arrival of the new year.
In different regions and cities, the traditions also have some differences. In Beijing, burning the firework is the traditional activities that spans the entire Spring Festival. While in South China and East China, like Guangdong and Zhejiang, they combine the firework show with clan culture and meticulous blessing ceremonies.
When Firecrackers Are Set Off During CNY?
In China, there are several major days and moments when people will burn firecrackers in Chinese New Year. And in each moment, its symbolic meaning is different.
- On Dec. 23rd:the fireworks are lit to send the Kitchen God to Heaven to say good words for the family, this also marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year.
- Before New Year’s Eve dinner:after the dinner is prepared and before enjoying, this firework is burnt to symbolize family reunion and happiness.
- At midnight on New Year’s Eve: means the old year is giving way to the new year, marks the beginning of the following year.
- On Jan. 5th: Welcome the god of wealth and drive away bad luck.
- On Jan 15th: It is the Lantern Festival, set off firecrackers to draw a perfect close to Chinese New Year and enhance the festival atmosphere.
Other Occasions to Light Firecrackers Besides Chinese New Year
Besides Chinese New Year celebrations, the firecrackers are also widely used in many other major festivalsĀ and events. The most common are the traditional festivals, such as the Mid-Autumn festival, its purpose is to enhance the joyous atmosphere and convey good wishes. But in the Qingming Festival,Ā the case is different, it is used to mourn the dead.
In the important moments of peopleās lives, the firecrackers will also be set off, including the wedding ceremonies, house construction, house warming parties, the opening of a business and burial rituals.
Regional Differences Across China
Because of the cultural differences, the tradition of burning Chinese New Year firecrackers also varies. In northern China, the sound of firecrackers is more important, this originates from the initial purpose of driving away the beast āNianā. For example, the fireworks burnt at the midnight of Chinese New Year and on Jan. 1stĀ reflect people’s strong desire to dispel bad luck and welcome a prosperous New Year through the deafening sound.
While southern China focuses more on the artistry and entertainment value. So there are usually more large-scale firework shows. The common people also prefer the fireworks with beautiful designs and bright colors. Another special fact is that setting off ofĀ fireworks is often closely related to clan activities. On one hand, it is to worship the ancestors, on the other hand, it is to pray for family peace and career success.
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Where to See Firecrackers Show During Chinese New Year?
During Chinese New Year, many cities will hold grand Chinese New Year firecrackerĀ shows to celebrate it. Here are the recommended cities for you. The time and places in each city may change from year to year, so please confirm before your visit.
Liuyang City in Hunan Province
Liuyang is the world-famous hometown of fireworks. In the Sky Theater, you will appreciate the professional fireworks performance that represents the highest level in China. The show is always carefully designed and combines the fireworks with music and light perfectly. This is a pure audio and visual feast and will be a stunning experience for you. Please feel free to contact China Xian TourĀ to customize a Liuyang trip if you want to marvel at this visual feast. Liuyang City is about 55 kilometers away from Changsha and about 405 kilometers from Zhangjiajie, so you can consider to arrange this places in a single trip if time permits.
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Foshan City in Guangdong Province
The clan culture has been deeply rooted in Foshan, so their firecrackers are closely connected with the ancestor worship celebration. On New Yearās Eve, every family will burn the firecrackers. You can also take part in the bell-ringing ceremony and pray for blessings in the ancestral temples. There are also chances toĀ see lion dance, Chinese martial artsĀ and other characteristic folk activities.
Guangzhou City in Guangdong Province
Guangzhou usually offers a combination of traditional fireworks with high-tech, such as the modern drone. They use the drone to display the auspicious patterns in the night sky, such as the character āę„ ļ¼spring in Englishļ¼āĀ and lanterns. Sometimes, the organizer will also launch the food and firework cruise. This cruise allows you to savor the delicious food on the ship, meanwhile enjoying the fireworks show outside the window.
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Shantou City in Guangdong Province
In Shantou, the Chinese New Year firecracker show is performed on the open sea, making it a unique show in China. On the sea surface stretching for several kilometers, the fireworks are set off simultaneously. Meanwhile, it is combined with the drone performances. A striking visual effect is displayed. Tourists can watch the splendid scene on the viewing platforms on the north and south banks.
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Hong Kong
Almost every year, a magnificent fireworks show will be presented in Victoria HarbourĀ in Hong Kong. It has been an iconic annual event, which is famous for its grand scale and international design. The entire show is divided into several themes and is like telling a story through the fireworks in different shapes. The brilliant fireworks and the dazzling lights of the nearby skyscrapers complement each other, creating the perfect combination of modern city and traditional culture.
Xiamen City in Fujian Province
Since 1987, Xiamen City and Kinmen County in Taiwan have held the firework show together each year on the evening of the first day of the Chinese New Year. The fireworks of both places will burst at the same time over the Taiwan Strait. It conveys the common expectations for reunion and a bright future from all Chinese.
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Rules and Restrictions of Setting off Firecrackers
An importantĀ fact about Chinese New YearĀ is that many cities have launched the Chinese New Year firecrackerĀ management policies in recent years, such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Kunming, etc. In different cities, the forbidding time also varies accordingly. Some cities prohibit burning the firecrackers completely. While in some cities, it is actually a restrictive permission, i.e., you can burn it in designated places and periods. Obviously, this action is to balance the traditional customs and ecological protection.
Another thing we want you to know is that if someone violates the regulations, the public security department will order him to stop and ask him to pay a fine of CNY 100 – 500. To prevent the situation from occurring, many cities will organize professional firework shows, which are safe and magnificent. If it is prohibited in your area, take the electronic fireworks mentioned above into account.
Firecracker Alternatives in China Now
Even if you do not have the traditional Chinese New Year firecrackers, there are also many other ways to celebrate the festival, including taking part in the official firework shows or drone performances and purchasing the electronic fireworks.
In addition, how about decorating the houses with your family members? Perform as Chinese, paste the Spring Festival couplets and window paper-cut and hang red lanterns. In brief, decorate your house with red color. And make the family dinner and take creativeĀ family photos with your beloved family together. There are also many activities in the communities and public parks. The most common ones are lantern riddles, dragon dance and lion dance.
How Travellers Can Experience This Tradition Safely?
During the China tour, many foreign tourists may want to burn the Chinese New Year firecrackers by themselves, the following tips will be very helpful to you, especially for first-timers.
Purchase: When purchasing the firecrackers, choosing the licensed retailers is the first and most important step. Then check whether it is clearly marked with āPersonal FireworksāĀ and whether there are abnormalitiesĀ in its appearance.
Price range: The price for individual fireworks usually varies widely. For example, the small handheld ones usually cost around CNY 5-50, the medium-sized boxes or sets will cost about CNY 100-600, and the large-scale fireworks with longer display times may cost several hundred to over 10, 000 RMB.
Preparation:Ā Read the instructions on the packaging to know about the right placement method and safe distance. Then find an open and flat area. It is better to place a bucket of water by your side in case of emergencies.
Operation guide: We advise you to use the joss stick or extended igniter instead of an ordinary lighter to light it up. Then leave immediately. An exception is that the firework does not set off normally; never check immediately. Wait for at least 15 minutes and pour it wet completely before checking.
Other useful tips: Children should be accompanied by adults. Never light up the fireworks after drinking alcohol. If you are injured accidentally, go to the hospital immediately.
Immerse in CNY Atmosphere with China Xian Tour
As the grandest festival in China, Chinese New Year is the best time for foreign travelers to experience Chinese culture. If you want to plan a tour during this time, besides the firecrackers, we can also arrange other traditional Spring Festival activities in Chinese New Year and include the hot attractions to enrich your travel experience. However, it is also the peak tourist season in China, which means a shortage of tickets of all transportation means and scenic spots. But we can help you book it. So do not hesitate to contact China Xian Tour.
