Liuyang fireworks and firecrackers (also called skyrocket or petard) are a world-known special traditional product and a major export product of Hunan Province. Liuyang is famous for manufacturing fireworks and firecrackers and it is honored as "Hometown of Firecrackers". Liuyang fireworks and firecrackers have long been linked closely to ancient Chinese custom. People would set off firecrackers and fireworks to celebrate traditional festivals or in various celebrations or evening parties. There are many kinds of fireworks. When fireworks are set off, the bright and colorful patterns and crackles deliver a comfortable and happy feeling to people, especially at night. The fireworks either revolve and spring up from the ground or fly and flare in the sky. The sky is blazed with color and there are too many things for the eye to take in. Therefore, Liuyang fireworks and firecrackers become world famous.
There are lots of historical records on the origin of firecrackers. It is said Li Tian in the Tang Dynasty was the ancestor of firecrackers, so he was worshipped as the founder of firecracker industry. Liuyang fireworks and firecrackers, as the most typical type, dated from the Tang and Song Dynasties. As early as the period of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty, the production of Liuyang fireworks and firecrackers had already developed into a certain scale. Until the period of Emperor Guangxu, its products had already sold to Hong Kong, Macao and many Southeast Asian countries, becoming a household name.
It is said when Emperor Yongzheng ascended the throne, he wanted to set off firecrackers and fireworks on the Lantern Festival (January 15 of the lunar calendar) in the first year to indicate a new period under a new ruler. Hence, he ordered firecracker manufacturers to create new varieties for the court. Liuyang officials were scared and put up notices to recruit talented people from all over the country, and ordered the firecracker master hand Li Tai to work out new types within a limited period. It made Li Tai torn with anxiety and unable to eat or sleep well. One day, when walking by a blacksmith's shop, he was inspired by the spurting sparks, which sprinkled long and short, red and white, thick and thin, particles and lines. Then, Li Tai collected some iron chips and brought them home. After he went home, he hammered the chips into powder and then mixed it into gunpowder and rice soup. Hence, various types of spurting fireworks, such as plum blossom or chrysanthemum were born. When Li Tai's new fireworks shot into the sky of the Forbidden City and fell like colorful flower rain, Emperor Yongzheng was dazzled. From then on, Liuyang was reputed as the "Hometown of Fireworks and Firecrackers".
Liuyang fireworks and firecrackers are produced by using traditional handiwork technique. The hand-made paper, potassium nitrate, sulfur, carbon powder, red and white earth and many others are taken as the raw materials. There are a total of 12 flows and 72 working procedures. Liuyang fireworks and firecrackers are of various types which could be classified into many categories. Roughly speaking, there are 13 categories according to firework effects.
