Why do we set off firecrackers on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year? The meaning of setting off firecrackers on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year

During the Spring Festival, firecrackers are heard everywhere, gongs and drums sound, and the streets and alleys are filled with a lively and festive atmosphere. Since ancient times, people have had the custom of setting off firecrackers during the New Year. So why do we set off firecrackers on the fourth day of the New Year?

Why do we set off firecrackers on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year?

The fourth day of the Lunar New Year is spent setting off firecrackers to welcome the God of Wealth;
At midnight on the fourth day of the first lunar month, prepare sacrificial animals, cakes, fruits, incense and candles, ring gongs and drums, burn incense and worship, and worship the God of Wealth respectfully. It is commonly believed that the fifth day is the birthday of the God of Wealth. In order to compete for profits, people welcome him on the fourth day, which is called "抢路头" or "迎财神". When welcoming the God of Wealth, one must offer a sheep's head and a carp. Offering a sheep's head means "good luck", while offering a carp means that "fish" and "surplus" are homophones, which is auspicious. People firmly believe that as long as they can get the appearance of the God of Wealth, they will become rich. Therefore, every Chinese New Year, people open the doors and windows, burn incense, set off firecrackers, and light fireworks at midnight on the fifth day of the first lunar month to welcome the God of Wealth.

What are the special things to do on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year?

1. Avoid breaking things .<br/>Avoid breaking objects. Breaking objects at ordinary times is a taboo, and breaking objects in the New Year is a bad sign. In the old days, it was believed that breaking objects in the first month of the lunar year would bring bad luck in the new year. Therefore, when something is broken, people would quickly say "May you have peace in the new year" or "The more you break, the more prosperous you will be" or "The old doesn't go away, the new doesn't come" etc. to ward off evil.
2. Avoid quarreling and swearing . Avoid quarreling and swearing in the first month of the year. Quarreling in the first month of the year will ruin the whole year, and swearing will bring disaster.
3. Avoid traveling far away. <br/>Avoid traveling far away. This day is the day to welcome the gods according to folk customs. It is to welcome all the gods, the Kitchen God and household gods back to protect the family. The Kitchen God will call your name, so it is not suitable to go out. The Kitchen God will check the household registration, so every household has to stay home, prepare rich fruits, burn incense and candles, and set off firecrackers to welcome him.