Why Light Firecrackers on Chinese New Year? In traditional Chinese culture, firecrackers were originally used to scare away evil spirits. As the legend goes, a monster called Nian would come out to eat villagers and destroy their houses on each New Year's Eve. Firecrackers remain an enduring symbol of Chinese New Year, embodying cultural beliefs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. They represent not only the hope for a prosperous year ahead but also the joy of community and celebration. On the morning of New Year's Day: People will set off firecrackers once they open the door in the early morning of New Year's Day. The earlier, the better. Setting off fireworks is to bring good luck and fortune into the family, it is called 开财门 kāi cái mén (open the door of fortune). Firecrackers and fireworks are said to be believed by many Chinese that they can ward off evil spirits, bring good luck and happiness for a prosperous year ahead. Fireworks also symbolize joyousness and provide entertainment to those celebrating the Lunar New Year. To prevent the "Nian" from causing harm, people would set off firecrackers on New Year's Eve, using the loud noise and bright lights to scare away the "Nian." This legend reflects people's desire for peace and safety and shows how the ancients explained natural and social phenomena. Tradition – According to Chinese mythical stories, once there was a demon named Nian who used to terrorise the villagers during the new year. Upon discovering his fear from loud noises and bright lights, villagers started bursting fireworks and firecrackers to ward him off and other evil energies. Do you know why people set off firecrackers during the Chinese New Year? In ancient Chinese legends, there was a kind of beast called Nian in Chinese, who lived in the deep sea all the year. However, it came out to roar and ate people and animals on the eve of the twelfth lunar month of every year. No one was able to subdue it. During Chinese New Year or CNY, it is a tradition to set off firecrackers. In traditional Chinese culture, firecrackers were originally used to scare away evil spirits. As the legend goes, a monster named Nian would come out to eat villagers and destroy their houses on each New Year’s Eve. Among all traditional festivals and holidays, firecracker use is the most massive during the Chinese New Year. People will set off them on Chinese New Year’s Eve, First New Year Day and the Lantern Festival. Millions of fireworks go off from like midnight until like five in the morning and you won’t be able to sleep. So, the folklore behind firing off fireworks is that in Chinese stories about Paganism, there is a monster that is called Nian, which has the same sound as the word year. Nian, year, New Year, you know? In the Chinese culture, firecrackers symbolize good luck and prosperity; no wonder every New Year’s and during many festivals in China, firecrackers are ignited. Also, the red paper from Chinese firecrackers isn’t swept as it is believed that that would be sweeping wealth away. The Significance of Colors in Chinese New Year Symbols. Colors play a crucial role in Chinese New Year symbolism, with each hue carrying its own meaning and significance. Red: The Color of Good Fortune. Red is the most prominent color during Chinese New Year celebrations. It symbolizes good luck, happiness, and prosperity. 7. Sending Chinese New Year Wishes. During Chinese New Year, Chinese people will greet each other with pleasant words like: 'Xin nian kuai le' which means 'Happy New Year' (simplified Chinese: 新年快乐). See more Chinese New Year Greetings and Wishes. 8. Watching the New Year TV Gala His concerns on the dangers of fire crackers were not unfounded. During Chinese New Year in 1970, over $1,000,000 worth of crackers were fired. On Chap Goh Meh in particular, also known as the 15th night of the new year and the final day of Chinese New Year, four people were severely burnt by fire crackers and passed away in the hospital over Featuring breathtaking performances, carnival rides, and interactive activities, there’ll be no dearth of things to do and sights to see in Singapore’s biggest and boldest 2025 Chinese New Year festival. To top it off, there’ll be a 60-strand firecrackers show during River Hongbao’s first 3 nights. Fireworks and firecrackers will be set off to scare away evil spirits and to signal the start of a safe and prosperous new year. Red is considered the colour of luck. Do you know why Chinese people stick couplets and play firecrackers during the Chinese New Year? Have you heard of the legend of a beast called "Nian"? It i During Chinese New Year, people have a long list of things to do. From one week preceding the festival to the 15th day after, many Chinese New Year customs are widely observed for thousands of years. The family reunion dinner, eating dumplings, and setting off firework are the must-dos that you might know. What else interesting do the Chinese do? One of the most well-known legends behind Chinese New Year is the story of how firecrackers and the color red came to characterize this festival. Legend has it that in ancient China, there lived a monster called Nian (年, ‘year’). Every year, on the eve of Chinese New Year, Nian would emerge from the sea and wreak havoc throughout communities. The Heart of Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year isn't just a holiday; it's a vibrant celebration filled with traditions, family gatherings, and cultural significance. From the colorful parades to the delicious feasts, every aspect of this festival brings people together.
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