Free Printable Chinese New Year Firecrackers – Year of the Snake!

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Chinese New Year Firecrackers

Firecrackers are a significant part of Chinese New Year celebrations. They are traditionally used to scare away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the coming year.

Their loud, explosive sounds symbolize the triumph of good over bad and create a joyful atmosphere during the Spring Festival.

This craft offers a fun, safe alternative to real firecrackers, perfect for families with young children. These vibrant paper firecrackers are ideal for decorating your home and adding festive flair without the noise or fire hazards.

For more crafting for Chinese New Year, check out our Red Money Envelopes, Chinese Paper Lanterns, and Paper Hand Fans.

If you are planning a party or Chinese Banquet, be sure to take a look at these 50+ Delicious Recipes for Chinese New Year.

Year of the Snake

Chinese New Year and the Year of the Snake begins on 29 January 2025.

Your Chinese zodiac is Snake if you were born in one of these years: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025.

We have shared Chinese New Year Printables since the Year of the Monkey in 2016. These printables are updated annually to reflect that year’s zodiac animal.

Our Free Build A Snake Craft Printable has been turned gold to use across all of our updated printables for the Chinese New Year.

Firecrackers—A Chinese New Year Tradition

• The Story of Nian: In Chinese folklore, a monster called Nian would come out to eat villagers and destroy their houses on New Year’s Eve. The villagers discovered that burning dry bamboo to produce an explosive sound scared away the monster. Since then, it has become a tradition for the Chinese New Year. – China Highlights
• Bàozhú: The Chinese word for firecrackers literally means “exploding bamboo” and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil spirits.
• The First Firecracker: Gunpowder was discovered by accident during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), and when inserted into bamboo stalks and thrown into a fire, it would make loud noises, so the first firecracker was born! The Song Dynasty (960–1279) introduced using paper tubes instead of bamboo.
• Dragon’s Roar: The explosive sound of firecrackers is reminiscent of the mighty Dragon’s roar, celebrating this powerful zodiac animal.

Making Red Paper Firecrackers!

You may think the string of firecrackers looks tricky, but they are easier than they look!

The full tutorial is in the printable card further down this post, but here is a quick guide:

1. Print and Prepare: Download and print the firecracker tubes and octagonal toppers.
2. Assemble with Ease: Form tubes from the prints, securing with glue or tape.
3. Constructing the String of Firecrackers: Secure a red yarn loop to the octagonal topper. Space out additional lengths of red wool along it at regular intervals.
4. Firecracker Formation: Attach the tubes to the yarn extensions using tape. Trim any excess yarn to make it neat.
5. Optional Tassel: Add a flourish with a red yarn tassel tied off with a gold ribbon or yarn. Gold represents power, wealth, longevity, and happiness.

We made this string of firecrackers for the first time in 2016 for the Year of the Monkey, and while our tutorial photographs show our gold monkey graphic, the printable downloads are updated annually with that year’s animal.

For 2025, it is the gold version of our Free Build A Snake Printable.

Decorating for the Year of the Snake

• Festive Display: These paper firecrackers are perfect for New Year’s Eve or as part of your family reunion dinner decor, embodying the strength and good fortune associated with the Dragon.
• Cultural Harmony: Pair them with dragon dance props, Chinese Lanterns, and a Chinese New Year banner to create an immersive festive environment.
• Community and Family: Crafting firecrackers with our free printables can unite family members, fostering unity and shared cultural heritage.

Fun Facts and Cultural Insights:

• Historical Roots: The tradition of firecrackers dates back to ancient China. The Year of the Snake focuses on transformation, growth, and introspection.
• Celebrations: Firecrackers are a staple of Lunar New Year festivities, from the streets of Hong Kong to the communities in Northern and South China.
• Red Paper: Red is a lucky color for the Chinese people, and the red paper that falls to the ground after (real) firecrackers are used is not swept until after a day so as not to sweep away any good luck and wealth.
• Educational Aspect: This craft is fun and educational, offering a hands-on experience to learn about Chinese traditions and the lunar calendar.