ANSWER :
"THE ORIGIN OF SETTING OFF FIRECRACKERS IN CHINESE NEW YEAR"
—Setting Off Firecrackers During Chinese New Year
It is a countrywide tradition to set off firecrackers during the Chinese New Year period. But the time to set them off differs from region to region. It is popular to set off firecrackers at the following times:
The moment the new year arrives, there is a cacophony of fireworks and firecrackers all around, accompanied by thick smoke, the shaking of buildings, and the noise of hundreds of car alarms. In large cities, fireworks are set off continuously for one to two hours.
•BEFORE NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER : When the reunion dinner is ready, many families light firecrackers to invite ancestors to celebrate the festival together. It is also a way to add a jubilant atmosphere to the festival and it brings great happiness.
• AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT ON NEW YEAR'S DAY : It is customary to stay up until midnight after the reunion dinner. Firecrackers and fireworks are set off at the stroke of midnight to scare away evil spirits and celebrate the coming of the new year.
• ON NEW YEAR'S DAY MORNING: In some places, families first set off firecrackers when they open the door or before they go out. It symbolizes good luck throughout the whole year.
• MANY FAMILLIES WILL NOT SWEEP THE RED PAPER left by firecrackers immediately because they believe that the act of sweeping on this day is associated with sweeping wealth away.
•THE LANTERN FESTIVAL : It marks the end of the celebration of Chinese New Year. People set off firecrackers and fireworks to ward off misfortune and bring good luck.