Chinese New Year cracks

Chinese New Year cracks Chinese have very long history of celebrating with high sounds. Chimes were popular for over 3000 years ago in China. This kind of instruments were originally made for making high sounds on important ceremonies. This custom was formed probably because ancient Chinese believed that high sounds could scare away wild animals, ghost, evil spirit, etc. In one legend about the origin of Chinese New Year, cracks were used to scare away the evil animal, Nian, which were used to destroying villages on Chinese New Year's Eve. However, with time going by, firing crack missed its' original meaning and has become a ritual for celebration and blessing. In China cracks are used for all kinds of ceremonies, such as starting enterprise, wedding, Chinese New Year celebration, farewell party, etc.

It was in Song dynasty, Chinese started to use gunpowder to make cracks. Before Song dynasty (960 - 1279), however, Chinese used bamboos as cracks, because when bamboos were fired up, they broke and made high sounds. Therefore, firing crack is also called as exploding bamboo. Crack explosion brings much energy. Ancient Chinese thought that it was healthy to supply (positive) energy to the body at the beginning of a year. In addition, gunpowder contain sulphur which was used for defection in ancient China. So for ancient Chinese, firing crack was also thought as a practical medical strategy.