Is There a Complete Ban on Fireworks and Firecrackers During the Chinese New Year? How to Choose Between Protecting the Environment and Adhering to Folk Customs?

 Recently, with the Commission for Legal Affairs pointing out on December 26, 2023, that a comprehensive ban on fireworks and firecrackers is illegal, the contradiction between protecting the environment and adhering to folk customs has once again entered the public discussion. For most of the people, setting off fireworks and firecrackers during the Chinese New Year is essential. Without fireworks, there would be no festive atmosphere. However, the complete ban on combustion has been in place for many years. China has issued two laws to protect the ecological environment and improve air quality, but problems have arisen in the specific implementation stage of the laws. In fact, these two laws do not require a comprehensive ban on setting off fireworks and firecrackers. However many places have implemented comprehensive bans. This is because, in some places, they may find it troublesome to choose a "one size fits all" approach during the execution process and directly prohibit it completely. For example, in Henan Province, it is prohibited to set off fireworks throughout the city.

 

Screenshot from Weibo.com

This one size fits all measure is a double-edged sword. China's air quality has indeed improved.But the one size fits all measure has caused dissatisfaction among many people. After all, setting off fireworks has always been a custom during the Chinese New Year and a folk custom in our country. The ban on setting off fireworks and firecrackers has sparked public protests, reflecting the conflict between protecting the environment and adhering to folk customs. In response to the public's call, the Commission for Legal Affairs first questioned the "comprehensive ban on fireworks and firecrackers". Many local governments have also followed suit and issued new ban policies. For example, Dongying and Binzhou in Shandong announced the possibility of fireworks display, while Yinchuan announced the possibility of orderly fireworks display. This measure of setting off fireworks and explosions at specific times and locations can protect the environment, preserve customs and festive atmosphere.

Screenshot from Weibo.com

There are still many traditional festivals in China that, if not restricted, may pose a threat to the environment, such as the Qing Ming Festival and the Zhongyuan Festival. A citizen said that many people will burn paper on the Zhongyuan Festival and the Tomb Sweeping Day. The smoke from burning paper will seriously damage the air quality. What's more, if no one cleans up the burned paper, it will pollute the environment. However, many people still believe that burning paper is an unchangeable tradition and custom. Undoubtedly, adhering to folk customs is important, but we cannot give up protecting the environment because of it. As long as the government formulates scientifically reasonable policies and the people actively abide by them, I believe that protecting the environment and adhering to folk customs can be achieved simultaneously. 

(From CBCGDF)

Original Link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/dkWlfYuf_r_dhtk9BJUchQ

Editor: Moretti

Check: Nicole


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