Why should firecrackers be set off during the Spring Festival?

Among the traditional festivals in China, the most important and grand festival is the Spring Festival. As the most important traditional festival of the Chinese nation, the Spring Festival has been valued by the people of China since ancient times. In ancient times, the Spring Festival was a time for family reunion. No matter where you are, you will definitely go home for the Spring Festival. On New Year's Eve, no matter rich or poor, firecrackers will be set off on this day, even some traditional Spring Festival festivals now. The customs basically keep it, and now it's People's No.1. Generally speaking, they will go home to celebrate the New Year with their relatives and set off some firecrackers on the 30th day of the New Year.

There are many theories about why firecrackers should be set off during the Spring Festival. Legend has it that in ancient times, there lived a very fierce beast on the ground. Its name is Nian, commonly known as Nian beast. This beast is different from ordinary beasts. He is not only fierce, but also likes to eat people. It has a characteristic, that is, it likes to go out to look for food every year when the old and the new alternate. Once this village is discovered by this "Nian Beast", it will face extinction. People didn't use this kind of "Nian beast" before. Later, people gradually discovered its weaknesses. Nian beast is afraid of hearing the crackling sound. Knowing its weakness, people began to drive away the "Nian beast" with this crackling sound. From then on, people can be safe and sound. Throughout life, the custom of setting off firecrackers has naturally formed among the people. Of course, there are other stories besides legends. So why do we set off firecrackers in the Spring Festival? According to the research of some experts and scholars, firecrackers, such as couplets and peach symbols, were originally used to drive away monsters. Later, it gradually evolved into increasing the festive atmosphere, creating a festive atmosphere and pinning people's expectations for a better life.

In the Northern and Southern Dynasties before 1560, the custom of setting off firecrackers was formed during the Spring Festival. After the invention of gunpowder, firecrackers in the true sense began to appear. In the Song Dynasty, with the progress of gunpowder technology, the manufacturing level of firecrackers was greatly improved, and firecrackers in the modern sense were also finalized. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, there were more and more kinds of firecrackers. On New Year's Eve, people will set off firecrackers to celebrate, regardless of wealth or status, and have a reunion dinner.