Why do we need to set off firecrackers to welcome the Spring Festival?

Why do we need to set off firecrackers to welcome the Spring Festival?

As the Spring Festival approaches, the sound of firecrackers has once again become a hot topic among people. As an important part of Chinese traditional customs, setting off firecrackers not only carries profound cultural connotations, but also triggers discussions on environmental protection and safety. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to explore the reasons for setting off firecrackers in the Spring Festival from the perspectives of history, culture, science, etc., and attach relevant data for readers' reference.

1. The historical and cultural significance of firecrackers

The origin of firecrackers can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period more than 2,000 years ago. According to the "Jingchu Suishiji", the ancients first used burning bamboo to make crackling sounds to drive away the "nian beast", which later gradually evolved into a fixed custom during the Spring Festival. The words "Explosion" and "Bao" of firecrackers are homophonic, which means "announcement of good news" and "announcement of peace", while "bamboo" symbolizes progress.

2. The role of firecrackers from a scientific perspective

From a scientific perspective, the sound and light of firecrackers can stimulate people's senses and enhance the festive atmosphere. Research shows that moderate noise (below 90 decibels) can stimulate dopamine secretion and bring pleasure. In addition, the sulfide produced by the burning of gunpowder was once thought to have a disinfecting effect, but modern science has confirmed that its impact on air quality far outweighs its benefits.

3. Environmental protection and safety issues that have been hotly discussed in recent years

Data from the entire network in the past 10 days shows that the topic "Spring Festival Burning Ban" has been read more than 200 million times. Ban policies introduced in many places have triggered polarized discussions: supporters cited data on fires caused by firecrackers during the Spring Festival from 2019 to 2023 (an average of 1,200 per year), while opponents emphasized the importance of cultural inheritance. It is worth noting that the search volume for "electronic firecrackers" increased by 340% year-on-year, reflecting the public's concern for alternatives.

4. Folklore innovation in the new era

In the collision between tradition and reality, many regions have explored innovative forms: Shaanxi launched the "Drumming to Welcome the Spring" activity, and Suzhou launched the "Light Show + AR Firecracker" experience. These attempts not only retain the essence of the festival, but also avoid environmental protection risks. Social media data shows that 63% of young people expressed their willingness to accept reformed customs under the topic #新style向春#.

Conclusion

From driving away the Nian beast to bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new, firecrackers have always been a unique carrier of Chinese people’s emotional expression. In the current era of ecological civilization construction, how to balance cultural heritage and modern life needs requires the wisdom of all sectors of society. Perhaps as a netizen said: "The important thing is not the firecrackers themselves, but the common expectation for a better life." This Spring Festival, no matter which way you choose to welcome spring, the heart is always more important than the form.