Iron Flowers - an ancient Chinese show made of molten metal
"Iron Flowers," or Da Shu Hua, is a traditional folk performance that originated over 500 years ago in the city of Nuanquan in northern China. It originated during the Ming Dynasty, when local blacksmiths could not afford gunpowder fireworks for the Lunar New Year celebrations and instead used molten iron from their forges. Thus, craft skills were transformed into a vibrant spectacle.
During the performance, the iron is heated to over 1,600°C, after which the performer scoops it up with a ladle and throws it into the air or strikes it against a cold surface. The sudden change in temperature causes the metal to instantly oxidize and disintegrate into thousands of bright sparks, which fly off in the shape of flowers or tree branches. These sparks are real drops of burning metal, so performers wear thick cotton clothing, hats, and face protection.
