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. As the most important traditional festival in China, Chinese New Year has many customs, one of which is setting off fireworks. Do you know why Chinese people set off fireworks to celebrate the New Year? 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. 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. 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. The grand finales of firework displays symbolise the conclusion of a celebration, a year, or an era, ushering in new opportunities and experiences. This symbolism is particularly potent during the Lantern Festival, where fireworks illuminate the sky to bid farewell to the Chinese New Year festivities. Spiritual Significance Bursting fireworks symbolizes warding off negative spirits, celebrating the new year, inviting good luck, and warmly welcoming the upcoming year. Chinese New Year is full of joy, celebrations and resemblance of good vibes. Fireworks, also called firecrackers or Baozhu in China, are widely used in occasions like festivals, weddings and business-opening ceremonies. As an indispensable part of Chinese folk culture, it has a history of more than 2,000 years. Setting off firecrackers in Chinese New Year could carry forward the traditional customs of the Chinese nation, and protect the unique customs of our own nation, and add vitality to the great garden of world culture. 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? That won’t be the end of it though, with fireworks often set off a night or two after New Year too. In London the Chinese New Year fireworks - the world’s largest outside China - are scheduled Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years On Jan. 29, Asian American communities around the U.S. will ring in the Year of the Snake with community carnivals, family gatherings, parades, traditional food, fireworks and other festivities Join the spectators on both sides of Victoria Harbour on the second day of Chinese New Year to witness an astounding fireworks display as Hong Kong ushers in the Year of the Snake! Don’t miss the chance to kick-start the new year with this awe-inspiring spectacle. Coordinator: Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau Why Teach Chinese New Year: Exploring the Cultural Significance and Educational Benefits. Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays. It is a time for families to reunite, celebrate, and usher in a new year filled with good fortune and prosperity. The Romans dedicated the first day of the year to Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions. With two faces—one looking forward and the other looking back—Janus symbolized reflection on the past year and anticipation for the year ahead. Nowadays, New Year were celebrated with fireworks almost everywhere in the world. From then on, fireworks became a fixture at New Year’s celebrations. New Year's Traditions Rooted in the Past. The tradition of fireworks is just one of several practices meant to usher in good luck for the New Year. Here are some other time-honored customs: Fireworks Bangs The loud explosions, inspired by Chinese traditions, are believed to Jan. 22–28, 2025: New Year Shopping. Before Chinese New Year's Eve, people buy New Year's food and snacks, New Year's decorations, and New Year's clothes, fireworks, etc. Chinese New Year in China, like Christmas, is a boom time for shopping. The 2025 Chinese New Year Fireworks Display will light up the sky over Victoria Harbour on Thursday (January 30), the second day of the Chinese New Year, at 8pm to celebrate the festival with members of the public and visitors in Hong Kong. That won’t be the end of it though, with fireworks often set off a night or two after New Year too. In London the Chinese New Year fireworks - the world’s largest outside China - are scheduled
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |