Setting off firecrackers is meant to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. It is an important custom during the Spring Festival in China. But in the past Spring Festival， many Chinese didnt buy firecrackers， owing to growing worries about air quality.

After severe pollution choked much of eastern China last year， many people gave up the ancient tradition so they could protect their lungs and the environment.

—said the U.S. National Public Radio.

Fireworks are as integral to Chinese New Year as pine trees are to Christmas. With smog blanketing many cities these days， some people are promoting electronic fireworks. But many people dismiss the idea that an electronic device could replace the real fireworks. They think its meaningless， just like playing a recording.

—said the Los Angeles Times.

Some may argue that burning firecrackers is a traditional part of Chinese culture. But culture derives from life and changes with the times. It should be common sense that we express our joy and wishes at the new year without coughing and spluttering on the aftereffects of fireworks.

—The China Daily said that customs must adapt to the modern， polluted age.

firecracker 爆竹

ward off 阻擋

choke 塞滿

firework 煙花

integral必不可少的

derive 源于

splutter噴出唾沫

aftereffect 后果