A recent poll reports that despite their potential danger, fireworks still remain a favorite for most people during festival celebrations.

For years, fireworks have been an essential part of Chinese festivals, providing the spirit of an authentic and auspicious festive touch with their colorful flames and explosions. However, the safety issue is of growing concern as fireworks injuries have increased alarmingly in recent years. According to a recent survey, 36 percent of interviewees claim to have seen damage or injury caused by fireworks during the 2009 Spring Festival.

The fire at the China Central Television (CCTV)'s new headquarters last week was the last straw for some people's nerves, and arguments about the use of fireworks during festivals were once again stirred up. But 83 percent of the public support the display of fireworks during festivals and only 17 percent would like to see a ban on them, according to a survey conducted by the Social Research Center of China Youth News recently,

"Fireworks create much of the bustle and excitement during festivals, and it wouldn't be a proper New Year Festival without these 'noisemakers'," said Xu Hongyan, a clerk in a Shanghai auction house.

"Fireworks have been a long-standing tradition during festivals; they not only reinforce festive feelings but also help to disperse any sense of loneliness." said Wang Hongwei, Associate Professor at the School of Public Administration in the Renmin University of China.

As is suggested by the survey, the public believe there should be a greater degree of governmental supervision on fireworks production, and law enforcement organs should commit to more serious punishment of unlawful practices. On the other hand, the public should firmly respect all regulations and keep well away from fireworks-restricted areas like gas stations, chemical plants, military areas and historic reservations.

(China.org.cn by Zheng Xin February 18, 2009)