Game of the brave: dashuhua

Editor's Note: Using a blend of words and visuals, this series explores unique communities and reveals the heart of China through food, architecture, craftsmanship, landscapes and traditions.

Dashuhua, literally "striking iron flowers", is a traditional folk performance in Yuxian county, Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, that dazzles the spectators with a brilliant shower of sparks resembling a tree canopy. Yuxian, once an important military garrison during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is dotted with fortresses for defense, endowing the folk art with creative features.

Dashuhua dates back to an ancient industry that thrived here: weapon casting. In their daily practices, the blacksmiths found that molten iron splashed onto a cold wall burst into spectacular sparks. According to Yang Yingying, the commentator at the local Shuhua square for the performance, it evolved into a folk performance traditionally held during festivals to pray for peace and good harvests.