Making Fireworks for the Chinese New Year | National Geographic

TL;DR

Fireworks mark Chinese New Year by welcoming the new year, chasing away past evil spirits, and energizing the celebration through sound. The show features firecrackers, cakes, candles, and two set pieces, including a horse, with red representing luck and gold representing wealth. Read on to discover how the set pieces are assembled and how each fireworks chef adapts the display.

Transcript

I'm good to 2 seconds before I got hit the button all the adrenaline's pumping and you just want to start and as soon as you hit the first button I'm fine get turn back now it's got to go we're going for the Chinese Union his own noise we're warding off the evil spirit for this year we're going to give them fire crackers loud cakes candles and two ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥳 Chinese New Year celebrations involve symbolic actions like warding off evil spirits and welcoming luck.
• 🖐️ Fireworks play a significant role in the festivities, adding excitement and spirit.
• 😫 The creation of set pieces requires creativity and craftsmanship, resulting in visually striking displays.
• 😪 Red and gold are important colors in Chinese culture, representing luck and wealth.
• 🧑‍🏭 Firework recipes can be customized based on factors like crowd preferences and desired intensity.
• 🎆 The sound of firecrackers and fireworks creates a sense of awe and energy in the celebrations.
• 🛀 Technology has advanced the visual and auditory experience of firework shows during Chinese New Year.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why are fireworks and firecrackers used for Chinese New Year?

Traditionally, firecrackers welcome the new year and chase away evil spirits from the past. The speaker says the custom now emphasizes festive spirit more than superstition, with the sound helping people feel energized and joyful.

Q: What fireworks are included in the Chinese New Year show?

The show includes firecrackers, loud cakes, candles, and two set pieces. One set piece is a horse, while the other displays a Happy New Year message.

Q: How is a fireworks set piece made?

A long frame is bent into the desired shape, and small brad nails are hammered along its outline before their tops are cut off. Small cigarette-like pieces are glued onto the nails, with black powder and a match placed on top for ignition during the show.

Q: How is the horse set piece installed for the display?

An airplane cable is hung between two trees, and belts are placed in the middle. The horse image and the completed set piece are positioned there, with candles and cakes arranged behind them.

Q: Why are red and gold used in the Chinese New Year fireworks display?

The transcript says red represents luck and gold represents wealth in Chinese culture. For that reason, everything in the display is designed around red and gold.

Q: What determines the sound of the firecrackers?

The firecrackers use black powder, and some makers add German aluminum to produce a stronger bang. Each fireworks chef has a different recipe and adjusts it according to personal judgment.

Q: How is the pace of the fireworks show adjusted for the crowd?

The operator changes the firing pace according to the audience's response. An eager crowd gets a faster show, while a tamer crowd gets a slower beginning before the display intensifies at the end.

Q: What makes the Chinese New Year fireworks show exciting?

The speaker highlights the sound created when the larger fireworks follow the small firecrackers. New technology also makes the noise-producing display look impressive in the sky, leaving participants feeling energized and good.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Chinese New Year celebration involves warding off evil spirits with firecrackers, loud noises, and set pieces like the horse.

• Set pieces are made with frames, nails, glue, and black powder, creating a visual spectacle during the fireworks show.

• Chinese culture associates red and gold with luck and wealth, so decorations and firework colors often reflect these colors.