Why do we set off firecrackers on New Year's Day? The earliest firecrackers were used to drive away evil spirits.

Why do we set off firecrackers on New Year’s Day? In traditional folk culture, people set off firecrackers every New Year’s Day. Next, let’s take a look at the relevant content about setting off firecrackers on New Year’s Day.

Why do we set off firecrackers on New Year's Day?

Statement 1

The history of setting off firecrackers on New Year's Day is long, and was originally used to drive away evil spirits. According to traditional folklore, setting off firecrackers on New Year's Day is said to be to drive away "mandrills". The mandrill was a vicious one-horned monster in ancient times, but it was most afraid of noise, so people used the explosion of burning bamboo to scare it away. After the invention of gunpowder, people loaded gunpowder into bamboo tubes to make firecrackers, and later used paper tubes, also known as firecrackers or cannonballs.

Explanation 2

As time changes, people nowadays no longer believe in the "legend of the mandrill", but still inherit the traditional custom of setting off firecrackers on New Year's Day. The New Year's Day in ancient times is now called the New Year. Setting off firecrackers can create a festive atmosphere. The red color on the ground after setting off firecrackers represents joy, happiness and auspiciousness. Therefore, on this festive occasion, we all set off firecrackers to celebrate.