Under the iron order of the "Air Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations", not only the production and sale of fireworks and firecrackers were banned, but also the memories and emotions that have been inherited for a hundred years have been silently suppressed.
However, the policy is not monolithic, as evidenced by the "ban on change and restriction" notice.
The statement of the People's Working Committee is also like a bunch of new sprouts stubbornly poking its head out of the ice and snow, and this change undoubtedly gives people a glimmer of gentle hope.
Does this mean that the Spring Festival, can you still find the long-lost prosperity and festivities?
Spring Festival, also known as the Lunar New Year, not only symbolizes the end of the lunar year and the beginning of the new year, but also a time for family reunions and the beginning of the new year.
The origin of fireworks and the Spring Festival can be traced back to ancient Chinese legends and customs.
Fireworks have a very long history and are said to have originated in the Han Dynasty.
One of the most popular stories is the legend of a monster named Nian.
It is said that "Nian" will come out to eat people and destroy villages every year on the eve of the Spring Festival.
The villagers found that Nian was afraid of red, fire, and loud noises.
Therefore, whenever the Spring Festival comes, the villagers will paste red couplets, light fireworks, and set off firecrackers to drive away the "Nian" beasts and ensure that the new year is safe and sound.
Over time, this custom of expelling with fire and sound gradually evolved into a way of celebration and prayer.
In the Song Dynasty, the production and use of fireworks and firecrackers was already quite common, not only during the Spring Festival, but also in other festivals and celebrations.
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the production technology of fireworks and firecrackers became more mature, and setting off fireworks and firecrackers has become an indispensable part of the Spring Festival and even other celebrations.
The setting off of fireworks during the Spring Festival is not only a traditional custom, it also carries the good wishes of the Chinese for the New Year.
The brilliant and colorful fireworks symbolize the richness of life and hope for the future, and the sound of firecrackers means to drive away misfortune and good luck.
In modern society, with the improvement of environmental awareness and the acceleration of urbanization, the impact of fireworks on the environment and safety has gradually attracted people's attention.
Many cities have begun to restrict or ban fireworks to reduce the impact on air quality and prevent safety incidents.
Despite this, the emergence of new environmentally friendly fireworks products such as electronic fireworks and smokeless fireworks has enabled people to enjoy the atmosphere of traditional festivals while reducing environmental pollution.
The Legislative Affairs Commission clearly pointed out that a complete ban on fireworks and firecrackers is illegal, and local governments need to revise the ban on fireworks.
In fact, the data shows that the large number of fireworks and firecrackers set off during the Spring Festival brings laughter, but also causes serious air pollution.
In the past data, PM2 during the Spring Festival5 concentrations will be several times higher than usual, which poses a threat to public health.
However, the Legislative Affairs Commission's statement stressed that environmental protection should not come at the expense of traditional folk customs.
In addition, the widespread ban also touched on the psychological needs of the people, and fireworks are not only a material fire, but also a transmission of emotions and culture.
Therefore, policy development must strike a balance between respecting tradition and protecting the environment.
The ban on fireworks stems from the great importance attached to environmental protection.
Historically, the fireworks of traditional festivals have always been the iconic scenery of the Spring Festival.
However, with the prominence of air quality problems in densely populated cities, the impact of fireworks on air quality cannot be underestimated.
The comprehensive ban did improve air quality during the festival to some extent, but it also sparked widespread controversy in society.
People are beginning to miss the glittering night sky, and the desire for tradition and the sense of responsibility to protect the environment are intertwined.
The actual implementation of such a ban also faces regulatory difficulties, especially in remote areas and rural areas, where the ban is not easy to enforce.
In this context, the statement of the Legislative Affairs Commission provides new ideas for the future development of this traditional custom.
On the one hand, it is necessary to revise the overly strict regulations on the total ban on burning to meet the actual needs of people in different regions and different cultural backgrounds.
On the other hand, it is also necessary to encourage and support the research and development and popularization of green fireworks to reduce the impact of fireworks on the environment.
At the same time, through scientific and technological means, we will improve the efficiency of supervision and ensure that the ban can be effectively enforced, rather than a dead letter.
A policy-sparked debate is unfolding.
Different cities, different policies, the same goal – to reduce pollution, but different playbooks for implementation.
The reporter visited several cities in Henan and found that the fate of fireworks and firecrackers is unpredictable here, just like a candy box during the Spring Festival, you never know what the next one will taste like.
In some places, a document is like a cold wave that falls, which makes the mood of fireworks sellers fall to freezing point.
Whether it's a stall in the depths of an alley or a specialty store along a wide avenue, fireworks seem to have become an untouchable forbidden fruit.
However, taking a turn to get to another place, the atmosphere is very different.
The ban here has been "flexed", fireworks can be set off in designated areas and times, and laughter and fireworks in the streets are played in an ensemble to create a New Year's symphony.
This kind of policy "flexibility" is not only a response to residents' feelings, but also a new exploration of environmental protection.
In Shandong, ** has adopted a "green fireworks" strategy in an attempt to reduce the impact on the environment while maintaining traditional customs.
Behind these different policies are different interpretations and practices of local autonomy and environmental responsibility.
Of course, every policy has its supporters and opponents, just as each fireworks are accompanied by a different sound.
Diverse practices are like a bold experiment, and each policy implementation is providing lessons for the rest of China.
The contest between environmental protection and traditional customs is not only a trade-off, but also a reflection on the future of sustainable development.
Fireworks and firecrackers have a deep relationship with the Spring Festival, which is not only a part of traditional Chinese culture, but also a carrier of people's emotional expression and wishes.
Even in the face of the challenges of modern society, the love of this tradition is still finding new ways to express it, trying to keep this ancient custom alive and charming.
So when do you think the ban will be lifted?