"Beating tree flowers" is probably the earliest firework in China. In Warring States Period smelting technology developed rapidaly in China. People found that the splashing liquid metals were very beautiful and gradually used them to celebrate Chinese New Year. They had the same functions as Chinese New Year crackers, that is, they are both for increasing the festive atmoshphere and scaring the evil things, such as ghosts, monsters, etc.
"Beating tree flowers" for Chinese New Year celebration is a very difficult job. The persons playing the program must be able to let the metal liquid splashes in beautiful pattern and to correct locations. They must train hard before they can perform the program. On another side, the performance selv is very tiresome. A performer becomes exhausted after about 10 minutes performing. Therefor, it is only performed by professional and strong persons. With the declining of the small smelting workshops, less and less people can the technology of "beating tree flowers". However, today the program has been set as national cultural heritage and conserved.
"Beating tree flowers" is breathtaking, exciting and beautiful. The primitive operation method makes it an special attraction to the people who have got used to the modern technologies.