User:Xu Yangyang - Revision history

Xu Yangyang: /* Religious Tracing */

2025-06-16T13:21:37Z

Religious Tracing

Xu Yangyang: /* Spread in the Song and Yuan Dynasties */

2025-06-16T13:21:14Z

Spread in the Song and Yuan Dynasties

Xu Yangyang: /* Changes in Modern Times */

2025-06-16T13:20:47Z

Changes in Modern Times

Xu Yangyang: /* Color Decoration */

2025-06-16T13:20:19Z

Color Decoration

Xu Yangyang: /* The Iron Fireworks Striking Session */

2025-06-16T13:19:56Z

The Iron Fireworks Striking Session

Xu Yangyang: /* Modern Implications */

2025-06-16T13:19:16Z

Modern Implications

Xu Yangyang: /* Interpretation of the Spirit of Craftsmanship */

2025-06-16T13:18:43Z

Interpretation of the Spirit of Craftsmanship

Xu Yangyang: /* Core Status as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage */

2025-06-16T13:18:12Z

Core Status as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Xu Yangyang: /* A Bridge for Cultural Exchange */

2025-06-16T13:17:05Z

A Bridge for Cultural Exchange

Xu Yangyang: /* Summary */

2025-06-16T13:16:38Z

Summary

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 ====Religious Tracing====
-Initially, Striking Iron Fireworks originated from the sacrificial activities of craftsmen who worked with gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Before commencing their business operations each year, these five types of craftsmen would consult and prepare jointly. They would set up a flower shed in the south and a divine shed in the north. After choosing an auspicious day, they would first go to the local Lao Jun Temple and Fire God Temple to offer sacrifices piously. Then, the five types of craftsmen would carry the statue of Lord Lao Jun, which was enshrined in their shop, and proceed in a procession. Along the way, they would play music, beat drums, and set off firecrackers, creating an extremely lively scene. All the shops of craftsmen along the way would set up incense tables and offerings to welcome and see off the procession. Only after the procession arrived at the divine shed and placed the statue of Lord Lao Jun properly, they would hold a solemn sacrificial ceremony, earnestly praying for the protection of Lord Lao Jun and the Fire God. At night, the craftsmen would kneel and change their clothes in the divine shed, praying for divine protection and safety again. After that, they would start Striking Iron Fireworks performance.(Zhang,2018,p.34)
+Initially, Striking Iron Fireworks originated from the sacrificial activities of craftsmen who worked with gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Before commencing their business operations each year, these five types of craftsmen would consult and prepare jointly. They would set up a flower shed in the south and a divine shed in the north. After choosing an auspicious day, they would first go to the local Lao Jun Temple and Fire God Temple to offer sacrifices piously. Then, the five types of craftsmen would carry the statue of Lord Lao Jun, which was enshrined in their shop, and proceed in a procession. Along the way, they would play music, beat drums, and set off firecrackers, creating an extremely lively scene. All the shops of craftsmen along the way would set up incense tables and offerings to welcome and see off the procession. Only after the procession arrived at the divine shed and placed the statue of Lord Lao Jun properly, they would hold a solemn sacrificial ceremony, earnestly praying for the protection of Lord Lao Jun and the Fire God. At night, the craftsmen would kneel and change their clothes in the divine shed, praying for divine protection and safety again. After that, they would start Striking Iron Fireworks performance.(Zhang, 2018, p.34)
 ===Development History===

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 ====Spread in the Song and Yuan Dynasties====
-After the Northern Song Dynasty, with the migration of the population, Striking Iron Fireworks gradually spread from its origin to other regions across the country. During the process of dissemination, it continuously absorbs the characteristics of regional cultures in various places and integrates with the local folk customs, thereby forming a wide variety of expressive forms.(Appreciation of Intangible Cultural Heritage - Datiehua,2018,p.81)
+After the Northern Song Dynasty, with the migration of the population, Striking Iron Fireworks gradually spread from its origin to other regions across the country. During the process of dissemination, it continuously absorbs the characteristics of regional cultures in various places and integrates with the local folk customs, thereby forming a wide variety of expressive forms.(Appreciation of Intangible Cultural Heritage - Datiehua, 2018, p.81)
 ====Prosperity in the Ming and Qing Dynasties====

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 ====Changes in Modern Times====
-In the early 20th century, due to frequent wars and social unrest, Queshan Iron Fireworks was also greatly impacted and nearly become extinct. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, society gradually stabilized. However, with the popularization and rapid development of modern fireworks, Striking Iron Fireworks saw a decline in activities due to its complex production process, high risk, and high costs. It was not until 1988 that Queshan Iron Fireworks reapperaed, demonstrating its unique artistic charm.(Sun,2025,the third paragraphy)
+In the early 20th century, due to frequent wars and social unrest, Queshan Iron Fireworks was also greatly impacted and nearly become extinct. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, society gradually stabilized. However, with the popularization and rapid development of modern fireworks, Striking Iron Fireworks saw a decline in activities due to its complex production process, high risk, and high costs. It was not until 1988 that Queshan Iron Fireworks reapperaed, demonstrating its unique artistic charm.(Sun, 2025, the third paragraphy)
 ===Steps of Striking Iron Fireworks Performance===

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 ====Color Decoration====
-This step adds rich colors and a festive atmosphere to the flower shed. At the top of the flower shed, craftsmen densely cover it with willow branches and skillfully tie firecrackers and fireworks. In the center of the top of the flower shed, a pole about 6 meters high, called the "main pole", is erected, and the top of the main pole is also fully covered with firecrackers and fireworks. Through such settings, the total height of the flower shed reaches more than ten meters. When the iron fireworks bloom, they will shine brightly in concert with the firecrackers and fireworks on the flower shed, (Gao,2025,p.19)creating an extremely spectacular scene.
+This step adds rich colors and a festive atmosphere to the flower shed. At the top of the flower shed, craftsmen densely cover it with willow branches and skillfully tie firecrackers and fireworks. In the center of the top of the flower shed, a pole about 6 meters high, called the "main pole", is erected, and the top of the main pole is also fully covered with firecrackers and fireworks. Through such settings, the total height of the flower shed reaches more than ten meters. When the iron fireworks bloom, they will shine brightly in concert with the firecrackers and fireworks on the flower shed, (Gao, 2025, p.19)creating an extremely spectacular scene.
 [[File:shecai.jpg]]

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 ====The Iron Fireworks Striking Session====
-Next to the flower shed, a melting iron furnace burns brightly, and the prepared scrap iron gradually melts into iron under high temperature. The craftsmen bare their upper bodies and only wear safety helmets, showing fearless courage. The hold an upper flower stick filled with molten iron in one hand and a lower flower stick without molten iron in the other. They quickly run to the bottem of the flower shed and strike the upper stick with the lower stick forcefully, instantly making the molten iron in the stick rush towards the flower shed at high speed. When the molten iron strikes the willow branches on the shed roof, it scatters instantaneously, resembling a shower of stars bursting in all directions. At the same time, the firecrackers and fireworks on the flower shed are ignited. For a moment, iron flowers were splashing, the firecrackers were booming deafeningly, and fireworks were blazing spectacularly. The whole scene was truly magnificent. During the performance, if a highly skilled craftsman can hit the highest point of the main pole and successfully set off the fireworks there, it is called "hitting the jackpot." (Zhang,2018,p.50)The person who hits the jackpot will receive great honor, such as being dressed in red and decorated with flowers, receiving rewards of money and gifts, and becoming the focus of the whole scene. During Striking Iron Fireworks event, there is often a dragon - lantern team. The dragon - lantern team nimbly moves in and out of the flower shed where the iron fireworks are splashing. This performance form is called "the dragon threading through the fireworks." The dragon symbolizes good luck, authority, and power in Chinese culture. "The dragon threading through the fireworks" makes Striking Iron Fireworks performance more spectacular, festive, and auspicious, pushing the atmosphere of the scene to a climax.
+Next to the flower shed, a melting iron furnace burns brightly, and the prepared scrap iron gradually melts into iron under high temperature. The craftsmen bare their upper bodies and only wear safety helmets, showing fearless courage. The hold an upper flower stick filled with molten iron in one hand and a lower flower stick without molten iron in the other. They quickly run to the bottem of the flower shed and strike the upper stick with the lower stick forcefully, instantly making the molten iron in the stick rush towards the flower shed at high speed. When the molten iron strikes the willow branches on the shed roof, it scatters instantaneously, resembling a shower of stars bursting in all directions. At the same time, the firecrackers and fireworks on the flower shed are ignited. For a moment, iron flowers were splashing, the firecrackers were booming deafeningly, and fireworks were blazing spectacularly. The whole scene was truly magnificent. During the performance, if a highly skilled craftsman can hit the highest point of the main pole and successfully set off the fireworks there, it is called "hitting the jackpot." (Zhang, 2018, p.50)The person who hits the jackpot will receive great honor, such as being dressed in red and decorated with flowers, receiving rewards of money and gifts, and becoming the focus of the whole scene. During Striking Iron Fireworks event, there is often a dragon - lantern team. The dragon - lantern team nimbly moves in and out of the flower shed where the iron fireworks are splashing. This performance form is called "the dragon threading through the fireworks." The dragon symbolizes good luck, authority, and power in Chinese culture. "The dragon threading through the fireworks" makes Striking Iron Fireworks performance more spectacular, festive, and auspicious, pushing the atmosphere of the scene to a climax.
 [[File:datiehua part.jpg]]

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 ====Modern Implications====
-With the development of society, Striking Iron Fireworks has been given more positive implications. In modern society, the spectacular scene of Striking Iron Fireworks symbolizes wealth and prosperity(Sun,2022,p.167). At the same time, the blooming fire of the iron fireworks is regarded as a symbol of prosperity, implying that careers are booming and life is prosperous. In addition, Striking Iron Fireworks also carries people's longing for a better life. And it has become a cultural symbol that unites people's hearts and conveys positive energy. Striking Iron Fireworks can make people feel the charm of traditional culture and enhance national pride and cultural confidence.
+With the development of society, Striking Iron Fireworks has been given more positive implications. In modern society, the spectacular scene of Striking Iron Fireworks symbolizes wealth and prosperity(Sun, 2022, p.167). At the same time, the blooming fire of the iron fireworks is regarded as a symbol of prosperity, implying that careers are booming and life is prosperous. In addition, Striking Iron Fireworks also carries people's longing for a better life. And it has become a cultural symbol that unites people's hearts and conveys positive energy. Striking Iron Fireworks can make people feel the charm of traditional culture and enhance national pride and cultural confidence.
 ===Significance===

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 ====Interpretation of the Spirit of Craftsmanship====
-The production and performance process of Striking Iron Fireworks profoundly interprets the craftsmanship spirit of striving for perfection. From selecting iron and melting it to striking the molten iron, every step requires craftsmen to have superb skills and a dedicated attitude(Zhang,2018,p.55). For example, precise control of the heat during iron melting requires craftsmen to judge whether the molten iron has reached the optimal temperature based on years of experience; subtle differences in strength and angle when striking the molten iron will affect the blooming shape of the iron fireworks. This spirit of pursuing the ultimate in craftsmanship is a vivid portrayal of the Chinese nation's craftsmanship spirit, inspiring contemporary people to deeply cultivate and work meticulously in their respective fields.
+The production and performance process of Striking Iron Fireworks profoundly interprets the craftsmanship spirit of striving for perfection. From selecting iron and melting it to striking the molten iron, every step requires craftsmen to have superb skills and a dedicated attitude(Zhang, 2018, p.55). For example, precise control of the heat during iron melting requires craftsmen to judge whether the molten iron has reached the optimal temperature based on years of experience; subtle differences in strength and angle when striking the molten iron will affect the blooming shape of the iron fireworks. This spirit of pursuing the ultimate in craftsmanship is a vivid portrayal of the Chinese nation's craftsmanship spirit, inspiring contemporary people to deeply cultivate and work meticulously in their respective fields.
 ====Embodiment of Philosophy====

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 ====Core Status as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage====
-In 2008, Queshan Iron Fireworks was listed in the second batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, which marked its official elevation from a spontaneously organized folk activity to a culturally treasured heritage recognized and protected at the national level. As a representative of intangible cultural heritage projects, Queshan Iron Fireworks plays a demonstrative role in the intangible cultural heritage protection system. Its inheritance model and protection experience provide reference for other intangible cultural heritage projects(Sun,2022,p.166), promoting the overall development of China's intangible cultural heritage protection work.
+In 2008, Queshan Iron Fireworks was listed in the second batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List, which marked its official elevation from a spontaneously organized folk activity to a culturally treasured heritage recognized and protected at the national level. As a representative of intangible cultural heritage projects, Queshan Iron Fireworks plays a demonstrative role in the intangible cultural heritage protection system. Its inheritance model and protection experience provide reference for other intangible cultural heritage projects(Sun, 2022, p.166), promoting the overall development of China's intangible cultural heritage protection work.
 ====An Important Component of Folk Culture====

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 ====A Bridge for Cultural Exchange====
-As a cultural symbol with distinct Chinese characteristics, Striking Iron Fireworks plays a significant role in domestic cultural exchanges. Striking Iron Fireworks performances across various regions attract people from different geographical areas and ethnic groups, promoting cultural interaction and integration between regions. Meanwhile, in international cultural exchanges, Striking Iron Fireworks has become an important window to showcase the charm of traditional Chinese culture(Gao,2025,p.20), enhancing the international community's understanding and awareness of Chinese culture.
+As a cultural symbol with distinct Chinese characteristics, Striking Iron Fireworks plays a significant role in domestic cultural exchanges. Striking Iron Fireworks performances across various regions attract people from different geographical areas and ethnic groups, promoting cultural interaction and integration between regions. Meanwhile, in international cultural exchanges, Striking Iron Fireworks has become an important window to showcase the charm of traditional Chinese culture(Gao, 2025, p.20), enhancing the international community's understanding and awareness of Chinese culture.
 [[File:datiehua(3).jpg]]

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 ===Summary===
-As a folk performance art nurtured by ancient Chinese craftsmen during the process of casting utensils, Striking Iron Fireworks has been inherited for thousands of years. Originating from the rituals of five guilds of craftsmen worshiping Lord Lao Jun (the Taoist deity of craftsmanship) and the Fire God during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it spread widely in the Song and Yuan Dynasties, reached its peak in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and has become a national intangible cultural heritage in modern times. Through ritualized processes such as shed-building, color decoration, and iron fireworks striking, its performance smashes 1,600°C molten iron into a "shower of stars," integrating drum music and dragon lanterns to form a visual spectacle of fiery trees and silver flowers. This art is not only a carrier of iron-smelting culture and Taoist culture but also has carried multiple connotations across different eras, including commercial blessing rituals, folk sacrifices, and cultural identity. In ancient times, the homophony of "flowers" (花 huā) and "prosperity" (发 fā) symbolized career thriving, while today, through the integration of cultural tourism and international performances, it has become a symbol of national spirit and Chinese cultural dissemination. Despite challenges such as the aging of inheritors and conflicts between traditional craftsmanship and modern environmental protection, it continues to radiate vitality through innovative practices like technological empowerment and educational inheritance, demonstrating the millennium-old resilience of Chinese traditional culture in upholding integrity while embracing innovation(Sun,2025,the fifth paragraphy). In the future, it is expected to become an important window for the world to understand Chinese civilization through its unique craftsmanship value and cultural connotations.
+As a folk performance art nurtured by ancient Chinese craftsmen during the process of casting utensils, Striking Iron Fireworks has been inherited for thousands of years. Originating from the rituals of five guilds of craftsmen worshiping Lord Lao Jun (the Taoist deity of craftsmanship) and the Fire God during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it spread widely in the Song and Yuan Dynasties, reached its peak in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and has become a national intangible cultural heritage in modern times. Through ritualized processes such as shed-building, color decoration, and iron fireworks striking, its performance smashes 1,600°C molten iron into a "shower of stars," integrating drum music and dragon lanterns to form a visual spectacle of fiery trees and silver flowers. This art is not only a carrier of iron-smelting culture and Taoist culture but also has carried multiple connotations across different eras, including commercial blessing rituals, folk sacrifices, and cultural identity. In ancient times, the homophony of "flowers" (花 huā) and "prosperity" (发 fā) symbolized career thriving, while today, through the integration of cultural tourism and international performances, it has become a symbol of national spirit and Chinese cultural dissemination. Despite challenges such as the aging of inheritors and conflicts between traditional craftsmanship and modern environmental protection, it continues to radiate vitality through innovative practices like technological empowerment and educational inheritance, demonstrating the millennium-old resilience of Chinese traditional culture in upholding integrity while embracing innovation(Sun, 2025, the fifth paragraphy). In the future, it is expected to become an important window for the world to understand Chinese civilization through its unique craftsmanship value and cultural connotations.
 ===Terms and Expressions===