How to Make Paper Chinese Firecrackers for Lunar New Year (Template + Video)
Pop! Crackle! Bang! Firecrackers are a sparkly delight at Chinese New Year celebrations, and making a paper firecrackers craft is pretty fun, too. Because firecrackers and fireworks were invented in China, this activity is a great way to introduce Chinese history and culture. With our printable template and video tutorial, kids can make Chinese firecrackers at home or school!
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When were fireworks and firecrackers invented?
The history of firecrackers goes as far back as the Tang Dynasty (618 to 906 BC). During the Tang Dynasty, firecrackers were accidentally discovered by tossing bamboo stalks into a fire. Due to the heat, the hollow bamboo stalks would explode with a bang!
Sometime around the Song Dynasty (960-1276 AD), an alchemist accidentally invented gunpowder by mixing sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate. By packing the flaky gunpowder into the bamboo stalks and lighting the stalks on fire, fireworks were created!
Eventually, bamboo stalks were replaced by cardboard or thick paper tubes.
Recommended: Best Chinese New Year Activities and Crafts for Kids
Why are Chinese firecrackers and fireworks important for Lunar New Year?
Historically, firecrackers were used to scare away the legendary Nian Monster and other evil spirits. On New Year’s Eve, the Nian monster would threaten to eat the villagers and destroy their homes. Then, an old man discovered that the firecrackers’ explosive “Pop! Crackle, Bang!” scared away the Nian monster.
Since then, firecrackers have been important to Chinese New Year festivities. Chinese people use firecrackers to decorate doorways, streets, restaurants, etc.
However, due to concerns about pollution and dangerous accidents, many Chinese cities have implemented firecracker bans.
No matter where you are, you can safely enjoy the Lunar New Year with these paper firecracker crafts!
Many people recycle Chinese red envelopes or paper rolls to make Chinese firecrackers. We were first inspired by Chinese American Family to try this craft, and my kids thought it was so cool.
Because other tutorials were too complicated for young children, I simplified the process with a printable template and video tutorial. Keep reading for tips on how to make your own Chinese firecrackers.
Supplies for making Chinese firecrackers for Lunar New Year
- Firecrackers template with Chinese character 福
- 8.5” x 11” Red construction paper or printer paper
- Tape
- Scissors
- Ribbon or string
- For decoration: gold stickers, paint pen, sparkly Washi tape
How to make a Chinese firecrackers craft
- Download and print the firecracker template.
- Fold the paper into quarters.
- Cut along creases to create four rectangles.
- Roll the paper into a narrow, tube-shaped firecracker.
- Tape both ends.
- Decorate with gold tape, stickers, or paint as desired.
- Repeat steps 2-5 until you have at least three pairs of firecracker tubes. Continue if you prefer a long chain of firecrackers.
- Cut the ribbon into a 3-inch strip. Tape each end of the ribbon inside firecracker tubes. Repeat for each pair of firecrackers.
- Arrange firecrackers in the desired shape.
- Cut long pieces of ribbon (a few inches longer than the group of firecrackers) and tie them to each pair.
- Optional: Tape firecrackers to Chinese red envelopes or 福 Chinese banner.
Video tutorial: how to make Chinese firecrackers
If you’re a visual person like me, watch this video using our template! Tying the knots between firecrackers was tricky for my kids, so I hope this can help your family and students!
Get the printable template here
Did you make Chinese firecrackers with your kids or students?
If you try this activity, please let us know in the comments below! What age(s) are your kid(s), and how did it go? We’d love to hear about your learning experience!
More ways to celebrate Chinese New Year with kids
新年快乐, 恭喜发财!! 新年快樂, 恭喜發財!! Happy New Year! May you have a prosperous new year!
Thank you so much for these great ideas! We are using it for our Lunar New Year unit for our 2nd grader.