Q: Master Lu, the Chinese New Year is approaching. What is the significance of setting off firecrackers during Chinese New Year (the Spring Festival)?
A:
It is generally good to set off firecrackers in celebration of Chinese New Year.
Firecrackers can drive away evil spirits and enhance positive Yang energy. They can therefore prevent unwholesome entities from entering the house.
During Chinese New Year, setting off firecrackers before midnight on Chinese New Year’s Eve sees the old year out; setting off firecrackers a second time after 12am welcomes the New Year.