Swallowing fireworks in Putian

A local villager pretends to gorge on fireworks as they are set off into the air, a ritual called "swallowing flowers", in Huadong village, Putian city on Feb 12. [Photo/Xinhua]

Huadong village in Putian city hosts all sorts of folk rituals to celebrate the Lantern Festival each year, but by far the most famous is "swallowing flowers".

In this unique performance, one brave local resident strips to the waist and stands next to the village's firework display. As a firework ignites, he pretends to eat it as it flies into the air. The ritual is called "swallowing flowers" because the fireworks look like blooming flowers as they explode in the dark night.

Though the man does not actually swallow the fireworks, performing the ritual is still a test of his courage and endurance as a lot of hot sparks will strike his body as he bends over the display. Completing the ritual is believed to bring the village good luck for the year ahead.