The morning times., 1896-07-06
FIRECRACKERs IN CHINA.
They Play an Important Part In Do
mesttc and Spiritual Affairs.
Ne,o York Erening Post

Nen York Erening Post.
Although but few Chinese have ever
heard OF George Washington or OF the
Declaration OF Independence, they ap-
pear to Americans who visit their country,
to be continually engaged In celebrating
the GLORIOUS Fourth For the unend-
ing noise of exploding firecrackers is
daily and nightly feature OF life in China.
The crackers are used at all festivals,
openings OF bridges. receptions of fmandarins,
marriages, funerals, etc, their most i'm
portant office being the frightening away
OF evil spirits. The supers titious Ce-
lestials, if unfortunate, are apt to imagine
their houses haunted by these unwelcome
visitors. who, before the Invention Of
powder were dislodged by the crackle OF
a fire Of dried bamboos. But the detona-
ton of a huge heap of firecrackers is con-
sidered far more efficacious. A profess
sional exorcist is generally employed to
light the pile. This dressy parsonage,
who invariably comes clad in "a red jacket,
blue trousers, and green cap, precedes
the act by waving gayly painted wooden
sword, and calling upon the gods to give
him power. Then, tou ching the fire.
crackers with a torch, he in stentorian
tones commands the green, red, yellow,
and black evil spirits to return where they
properly belong While the explosion CON-
tinues. his attendants beat drums, clash
symbals. and utter those discordant cries
OF which Chinese lungs and throats are
alone capable. In order that the spirits
may not return. the magician makes GER
tain mystical movements with his sword
before the front door. Then. cOngratulating
the family on being rid of their unde-
sirable guest, he pockets or to be literal,
sleeves his fee. and departs.
A famous racket ushers out the old year
and welcomes in the new. For some weeks
before the close Of the year every one is
occupied In attending to his or her reiis-
ious duties. OF. as those who speak
"pdgin English would express it, do
ing Joss pidgin." (The word pidgin means
business) The temples OF all the most
popular gods or "josses" are crowded with
deyotees, who, in addition to offering
the deities bowls OF rice, plates OF cake,
and gorgeous punches OF artificial flow
ers, treat them to frequent salvos or
firecrackers, which are rather inconsist-
antly used to prOpitiate as well as alarm
spirits On the last night OF the year, pop,
pop crackle, crackle. bang, bang: bang:
90 the crackers until day dawns. Tie
air is thick with their smoke. and the
inuumerabie and potent native smells
are for once overcome by the all-pre-
vadIng odor OF powder, Everybody, young
and old seems to be out OF doors armed
with sticks OF punk and strings of fire.
crackers That this night is the most
favorable time for dislodging evil spir.
its Is not the only inducement for keeping
people up and abroad. 1t is also believed
that remaining awake and watching the
first sunrise of the new year tends to
lepgtbep life. So there is not much re-
nose in the land, as tile few persons who
would like to sleep find it quite Impossible
TO do SO.
Firecra ckers are also used to bring rain
when it is needed. They are not ex-
plo1ed on scientific principles, but simply
to attract the attention or Lung wong
the rain god II, after repeated salvos,
the drought continues, the diety Is sup
posed to be asleep and active measures are
taken. The chief officials OF the district
dressed in mourning, and followed by
numbers OF sorrowing farmers, visit his
temple. In front of the procession are
carried four silken banners decorated
with the characters representing wind,
rain, thunder, and lightning These are
placed in stands near the altar and sur
rounded by lighted candles. Then with
much HOMECOMING Blowing very low) and
chin -chining tgreeting). written prayers to
the rain god are burned In sacred IRE.
tremendous salute OF firecrackers fol-
lows, accompanied by the usual clashing OF
cymbals, beating OF gongs, etc, etc. These
salvos are continued day after day until
Lung Wong wakes. Sooner or later they
never fail to arouse him.