Beating iron flowers is a large-scale traditional folk fireworks that originated in Queshan County, Henan Province. It is a cultural performance technique discovered by ancient Chinese craftsmen during the process of casting vessels. It began in the Northern Song Dynasty, flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and has a history of over a thousand years. Beating iron flowers is mainly popular in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, with Henan and Shanxi being the most prevalent regions. Kaifeng beating iron flowers is renowned as one of the top ten folk arts in the Yellow River Basin.
During the performance of beating iron flowers, a 6-meter-high double-layered flower shed is set up in an open space. The shed is densely covered with fresh willow branches, and fireworks, firecrackers, and other items are tied to it. In the center of the shed stands a 6-meter-high old pole, making the total height of the flower shed exceed 10 meters. Next to it, a furnace is set up to melt the iron. More than 10 performers take turns using flower rods to strike the iron at a temperature of over a thousand degrees onto the shed, forming iron flowers that reach over ten meters high. The iron flowers are then ignited with fireworks and firecrackers, accompanied by the performance of "Dragon Piercing the Flower." The scene is spectacular, thrilling, lively, and festive.
The tradition of beating iron flowers originated from the ritual activities of craftsmen. At the beginning of each year, before the craftsmen start their businesses, the leading craftsmen would negotiate and set up a flower shed. They would also build a shrine facing south in the north of the flower shed. On an auspicious day, they would visit the local temples, such as the Laojun Temple and the Fire God Temple, and offer various sacrificial items. The process of beating iron flowers would begin at night. The craftsmen from various shops would participate, and before starting, they would kneel and pay respects in the shrine, change their clothes, and pray to the deities for safety and to avoid burns. During major Taoist celebrations, Taoist priests would also contribute money and items to support the beating iron flowers event, adding glory to Taoism. After the fall of the Northern Song Dynasty, as the people of Queshan migrated southward and northward, the tradition of beating iron flowers spread throughout the country and developed into different styles. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with the promotion of the government and support from various sectors of society, the art of Queshan iron flower reached its peak. It expanded from being a celebration for craftsmen's business openings or Taoist rituals for deities such as the Jade Emperor, Laojun, and the Queen Mother of the West, to include general festive activities such as expressions of gratitude, promotions, weddings, graduations, and housewarming festivals.
The art of beating iron flowers has a long history and is known for its magnificent and grand performances. The iron flower artists perform shirtless amidst iron flowers that reach temperatures over a thousand degrees, and move freely without being burned. The dazzling brilliance of modern fireworks are integrated with the mysterious and thrilling skills of traditional craftsmanship, leaving spectators in awe. Beating iron flowers enriches the treasury of Chinese folk art and plays an important role in the cultural life of the people, enhancing national pride and strengthening national cohesion. In 2008, beating iron flowers was included in the second batch of China's national intangible cultural heritage representative list.
