Below, we introduce the origins of setting off firecrackers during the Spring Festival.
Why do we set off firecrackers during the New Year?
Firecrackers originated from ancient firecrackers. Also known as firecrackers or firecracker sticks, they were written as "exploding rods" during the Tang Dynasty and referred to as paper cannons or loud cannons in southern regions.When multiple individual firecrackers are strung together in a chain, they are called firecrackers, bang sticks, or whips.
The origin of firecrackers dates back over two thousand years. Like peach wood talismans and Spring Festival couplets, they were originally used to ward off evil spirits and demons. By the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, setting off firecrackers during the New Year had already become a custom.The Record of the Seasons in Jingchu documents this custom: "The first day of the first lunar month is the day of the Three Beginnings. Called the beginning month, people rise at cockcrow, first setting off firecrackers and burning grass in the courtyard to ward off mountain demons and evil spirits." This practice later evolved into the Spring Festival tradition of setting off firecrackers. Thus, the original meaning of "firecracker" (爆竹) was "burning bamboo to explode."
After the invention of gunpowder, people no longer burned bamboo. Instead, they filled bamboo tubes with saltpeter, sulfur, charcoal, and other ingredients to create firecrackers. However, the term "firecrackers" (爆竹) remained in use throughout this period and continues to this day.
Why do we set off firecrackers during the New Year? The practice stems from superstition, with people believing firecrackers can ward off evil spirits, prevent epidemics, and bring peace and good fortune to their families. An intriguing legend also surrounds this tradition. When considering why firecrackers are set off during the New Year, many likely recall a monster called Nian.
Legend has it that in ancient times, a ferocious beast called Nian lurked in the deep sea year-round. But at the turn of the new year, it would emerge to ravage crops and harm people and livestock, causing the people to suffer greatly. Once, when it rampaged through a village, it was frightened away by bright red clothes drying outside a house.At another location, it was frightened by the light and fled in panic.
Thus, people learned the monster's weaknesses: it feared noise, red, and firelight. At the end of each year and the beginning of the next, people would paste red couplets on their doors, set off firecrackers, hang red lanterns, burn firewood in their courtyards, gather bonfires, and chop vegetables and meat with cleavers to make noise. That's why everyone sets off firecrackers during the New Year.
Firecrackers originated from the practice of driving away evil spirits, but today they are set off during the New Year celebrations for joyous occasions. This is because the evil spirits have been chased away, and with them, bad luck.
Eye Protection Measures for Firecracker Use During the New Year
The crackling of firecrackers heralds the departure of the old year, making firecracker setting one of the most beloved activities for children during the Spring Festival. However, news reports of eye and hand injuries caused by firecrackers are common every year. Therefore, we remind readers to take proper eye protection measures when allowing children to set off firecrackers.
Eyes are extremely delicate, and the intense shockwave from explosions can cause severe damage. The best way to prevent eye injuries from firecrackers is to wear protective eyewear during the activity. However, it is crucial that these glasses do not have glass lenses, as shattered glass can cause immeasurable harm to the eyes.Resin lenses are the safest choice for fireworks glasses, as they shatter without causing cuts to the eye.
If an eye injury occurs, the best first aid before reaching a hospital is to avoid any intervention. Unlike other injuries, pressing, rubbing, or touching the affected eye can worsen the damage. Even rinsing with water or applying household disinfectants increases infection risk.
The most crucial action is to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital. If the eye shows no obvious injury and exhibits no symptoms like pain, tearing, or a foreign body sensation, simply rinse the surrounding area with clean water.