During the Spring Festival, people not only set off firecrackers, but also set off fireworks. Fireworks all over the sky make people look very happy. In addition, bonfires will be lit in some places. In ancient times, they were often called "Wang Leihuo", and the fire was blazing, which also symbolized the prosperity in the coming year. Everyone got together and talked and laughed. It was the busiest time of the New Year.
The most important thing in Chinese New Year is to have a reunion dinner. On New Year's Eve, people prepare a family reunion dinner early, including jiaozi. The whole family got together happily and began to talk about the past year. Setting off firecrackers is our traditional custom, but it is an unsafe act. Fireworks must be set off by adults. Children are not allowed to set off fireworks.
Legend has it that it was to drive away a monster named Nian, and later it gradually developed into a way for adults to celebrate the New Year and create a festive atmosphere.
Setting off firecrackers has a long history. There is such an explanation in ancient books: "On the first day of the first month, firecrackers are set off in front of the crow court to ward off evil spirits." It is said that firecrackers are set off on the first day to exorcise evil spirits, but this is a superstition.
If we go back in time, we can see that the ancients lit bonfires to keep warm and drive away wild animals while sleeping in the deep mountains. But some wild animals are not afraid of fire, but they are afraid of sound, so people will burn bamboo in the fire to make the sound of bamboo bursting scare away monsters.
This kind of action will bring safety to people and is also the source of firecrackers. Later, over time, the driven beast became a legendary monster called "Nian", and setting off firecrackers seemed more sacred.
In the Tang Dynasty, a man named Li Tian invented saltpeter firecrackers. Later, people invented gunpowder and made it into "firecrackers". In the Song Dynasty, people strung paper tubes and hemp into gunpowder, which became firecrackers.
Although people no longer believe in evil spirits and Nian, it has become our habit to set off firecrackers in the New Year. This is more about celebrating festivals and creating a lively and festive atmosphere. In addition to the Chinese New Year, festive events such as marriage, further studies and business opening will also be celebrated by setting off firecrackers.
This is why firecrackers are set off during the Spring Festival!