The sound of firecrackers is a characteristic of the Chinese New Year and many festive occasions. Do you know why Chinese touch off the firecrackers in the Chinese New Year?

A long time ago, firecrackers were used to scare away the wild beasts, especially a beast named “Nian”(the word meaning is “year”), which appeared regularly in the late winter or early spring, injured human and livestock. That was long period before the invention of gunpowder, and people burned dry bamboo to produce the explosive sound. The “Nian Beast” feared the explosive sound and didn’t dare to be close to human villages. Afterward, this way was developed into a kind of custom.

At the same time, “Nian”, the name of the animal that appeared to yearly interval, began to mean “year”. And the custom of touching off firecrackers for New Year was passed down. The beginning of this custom dating found in writings can be traced back to at least 3,000 years.

When the powder was invented in China, it was used to fill in bamboo tubes, producing loud explosion. The firecrackers were called “Baozhu”, a name still used in some regions.

According to the record of the Sung Dynasty, the first scientist who used the powder in firecrackers was Ma Jun, the period of Three Kingdoms (220-265).

Modern times have brought further improvements to the traditional firecrackers. Chemical luminescent colors are added to the powder, fired from cannons and explode in the sky, covering the night sky with magnificent colorful splendor.

The most enthusiastic about the firecrackers have always been young people and children. The New Year, a wedding, the opening of an international festival, etc … Chinese people rely on firecrackers to express the jubilation.