The origin and meaning of setting off firecrackers

Setting off firecrackers has a history of thousands of years in China. It is one of the most popular traditional activities during the Lunar New Year in China. It is said that firecrackers were invented by a Taoist named Lv Dongbin. Lv Dongbin found that when he struck with a hollow bamboo pole, it made a loud noise. He thought that this kind of sound could drive away evil spirits, so he began to play this bamboo hollow stick during the Lunar New Year in China to celebrate the arrival of the New Year and pray for peace and happiness.

In China culture, setting off firecrackers also means exorcising evil spirits and getting rid of diseases. People believe that firecrackers can drive away evil spirits and evil forces and protect the safety of families and communities. In addition, firecrackers can also scare away epidemics. In ancient times, China suffered many natural disasters and diseases. People believe that setting off firecrackers can dispel the plague and protect people from diseases.

However, with the intensification of urbanization and environmental pollution, the tradition of setting off firecrackers began to be restricted. Some cities and regions have banned setting off firecrackers in urban areas to protect the environment and people's health. In addition, due to the noise and pollution of firecrackers, some people have begun to oppose setting off firecrackers. Therefore, the tradition of setting off firecrackers is gradually decreasing, but it is still one of the most popular traditional activities during the Lunar New Year in China, which means expelling evil spirits and diseases, celebrating the arrival of the New Year and praying for peace and happiness.