When discussing the New Year celebrations, fireworks inevitably come to mind. While the exact origins of fireworks remain unclear, written records indicate that the custom of setting off fireworks during the New Year has existed in China for over 2,000 years.
During the Tang Dynasty, firecrackers were known as "exploding poles," likely referring to burning a long bamboo pole section by section to produce continuous explosions. The Nanchang poet Lai Hu's poem "Early Spring" captures this scene: "The new calendar's half-paper just unfurled, / The small pavilion still gathers exploding pole's ash."By the Northern Song Dynasty, people had developed firecrackers wrapped in paper rolls containing gunpowder, distinguished as single-crack or double-crack varieties. They were renamed "exploding sticks" before evolving into the modern term "firecrackers." When discussing why firecrackers are set off during the New Year, many immediately recall a monster called "Nian." But did you know that the name "New Year's Eve" also originates from the same legend?Legend has it that long ago, a demon named "Xi" terrorized the land. This creature preyed on people, especially beautiful young girls. Each night, it would attack and devour them. The villagers hated it intensely but were powerless to stop it. A hunter named Qilang, renowned for his immense strength and mastery of archery, witnessed the suffering.His archery was so formidable that even his dog was ferocious, daring to fight any wild beast. Seeing the villagers suffering terribly at the hands of "Xi," Qilang resolved to eliminate it. He searched everywhere with his dog, but after much searching, he still couldn't find it. It turned out that "Xi" never came out during the day. It only emerged to harm people after the sun set, vanishing again after midnight. No one knew where it lived.After searching for a year, on the last day of the twelfth lunar month, Qilang arrived at a bustling town where people joyfully prepared for the New Year. He reasoned that this large town, teeming with people and young women, might attract the Xī. He persuaded the villagers that the creature feared loud noises, urging them to stay awake after dark.He urged them to gather loud objects to guard their homes, banging them fiercely at any sign of movement to scare "Xī" out and eliminate it. That night, "Xī" emerged as expected. It burst into a house and was immediately discovered. The family began clanging pots and pans, and their noise set off a townwide cacophony. Terrified, "Xī" fled wildly, only to be cornered by Shīliáng.Qilang unleashed his hunting dog to attack it, and the "Xi" engaged in a fierce battle with both Qilang and the dog. Hearing the commotion outside, the villagers struck their instruments even louder. Caught between two attacks, the "Xi" struggled to hold its ground. It tried to flee, but the hunting dog clamped down on its hind legs.Seizing the moment, Qilang drew his bow and fired. A single arrow struck "Xi" dead. From then on, people called the last day of the twelfth lunar month "Chuxi" (New Year's Eve). On this night, every household stays up all night, sets off firecrackers, and drives away misfortune to welcome happiness and good fortune.