Nan Hua Temple has invited the Da Song Iron Flower Performing Arts Troupe to perform at the New Year’s Eve celebration on 31 December 2024. They will be showcasing the breathtaking traditional Iron Flower display to welcome the new year. The troupe, consisting of nearly 100 performers, is dedicated to preserving and innovating the ancient craft. They offer performances, training, and equipment production, establishing themselves as a leading cultural arts group that brings this traditional art to the global stage.
Join us at Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple on December 31 at 23h40 for an unforgettable celebration to welcome the New Year! Experience the breathtaking splendor of the Da Tie Hua (Iron Flower Performance)—a mesmerizing Chinese tradition where molten iron is flung into the night sky, bursting into dazzling showers of sparks.
This ancient art, rooted in over a thousand years of history, combines craftsmanship, courage, and cultural heritage. Under the starry sky, the brilliant sparks will ignite the festive spirit, creating a spectacular moment of unity, joy, and hope as we step into the New Year together. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event that promises to illuminate the night with beauty and tradition!
Join us at Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple on December 31 at 23h40 for an unforgettable celebration to welcome the New Year! Experience the breathtaking splendor of the Da Tie Hua (Iron Flower Performance)—a mesmerizing Chinese tradition where molten iron is flung into the night sky, bursting into dazzling showers of sparks.
This ancient art, rooted in over a thousand years of history, combines craftsmanship, courage, and cultural heritage. Under the starry sky, the brilliant sparks will ignite the festive spirit, creating a spectacular moment of unity, joy, and hope as we step into the New Year together. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event that promises to illuminate the night with beauty and tradition!
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Please return the complete application form and if required the "INDEMNITY FORM FOR MINOR CHILDREN" to [email protected]
TICKET PRICES
Ticket prices for the event are as follows:
Adults and Children above 12 years old R150.00 per person
Children under 12 years old R50.00 per child
IMPORTANT NOTICE
CHILDREN
Children are welcome to attend and must be accompanied by their parents and/or guardians at all times for their own safety.
There will be equipment on site that will be melting the metal at high temperatures which is dangerous to anyone coming too close to it. We will use our utmost care to isolate the equipment and attend to crowd control, however, we cannot neglect the fact that children sometimes venture away from their parents when they find something interesting to look at. Hence, in our efforts to mitigate any potential danger and harm, all children must be accompanied by their parents (or guardians) and remain in the demarcated areas at all times.
Should you decide to bring your child(ren) to the event, please ensure that the “INDEMNITY FORM FOR MINOR CHILDREN” is completed for each child and sent to the Temple together with the application forms. Without a signed indemnity form, your child(ren) will not be allowed access on the day. The Nan Hua Temple will not be held liable for any harm, danger, and losses suffered as a result of your attendance at the event.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Please note that the Nan Hua Temple is a practicing monastery and alcohol (and other mind-altering substances) is strictly prohibited on the Temple grounds. Please respect our rules and ensure that you are completely sober and not under the influence or be in possession of any alcohol, drugs, and mind-altering substances at the event. Should you be found to be under the influence or be in possession of the items above, you will be denied access to the event.
Ticket prices for the event are as follows:
Adults and Children above 12 years old R150.00 per person
Children under 12 years old R50.00 per child
IMPORTANT NOTICE
CHILDREN
Children are welcome to attend and must be accompanied by their parents and/or guardians at all times for their own safety.
There will be equipment on site that will be melting the metal at high temperatures which is dangerous to anyone coming too close to it. We will use our utmost care to isolate the equipment and attend to crowd control, however, we cannot neglect the fact that children sometimes venture away from their parents when they find something interesting to look at. Hence, in our efforts to mitigate any potential danger and harm, all children must be accompanied by their parents (or guardians) and remain in the demarcated areas at all times.
Should you decide to bring your child(ren) to the event, please ensure that the “INDEMNITY FORM FOR MINOR CHILDREN” is completed for each child and sent to the Temple together with the application forms. Without a signed indemnity form, your child(ren) will not be allowed access on the day. The Nan Hua Temple will not be held liable for any harm, danger, and losses suffered as a result of your attendance at the event.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Please note that the Nan Hua Temple is a practicing monastery and alcohol (and other mind-altering substances) is strictly prohibited on the Temple grounds. Please respect our rules and ensure that you are completely sober and not under the influence or be in possession of any alcohol, drugs, and mind-altering substances at the event. Should you be found to be under the influence or be in possession of the items above, you will be denied access to the event.
The Iron Flower Performance (打铁花|Da Tie Hua) is an ancient and spectacular Chinese folk art performance with a history spanning over a thousand years. This art also goes by many names “打树花 | Dǎ shù hu”, “Iron Blossoms”, “Iron Throwing” and “Molten Iron Fireworks”.
It originated during the Northern Song Dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The craft evolved from blacksmiths' metalworking processes and became a unique form of cultural art. It is especially popular in the middle and lower parts of the Yellow River, particularly in Henan, Shanxi and Hebei province. The city of Kaifeng is regarded as the birthplace of this tradition and honored as the leading city for folk art of the Yellow River region.
It originated during the Northern Song Dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The craft evolved from blacksmiths' metalworking processes and became a unique form of cultural art. It is especially popular in the middle and lower parts of the Yellow River, particularly in Henan, Shanxi and Hebei province. The city of Kaifeng is regarded as the birthplace of this tradition and honored as the leading city for folk art of the Yellow River region.
Origins and Purpose of Da Tie Hua
Song Dynasty Origins:
The roots of Da Tie Hua trace back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279). It began as a tradition among blacksmiths during festivals like the Lantern Festival to pray for prosperity, happiness, and peace. Blacksmiths, using the skills and heat from their work, created dazzling sparks by splashing molten iron. The resulting visual display symbolized the hope to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune.
Ritual of Blessing:
Da Tie Hua was traditionally performed to invoke blessings from the heavens and ward off disasters. It is closely associated with festivals such as Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, marking the arrival of good fortune and celebrating the new year.
Performance Process of Da Tie Hua
Preparing Molten Iron:
The performance begins with heating iron to about 1,600°C (2,912°F) until it melts into a liquid state. The temperature and consistency must be carefully controlled to ensure smooth pouring.
Creating the Flower Sparks:
During the performance, the molten iron is ladled into a wooden spoon and flung against a wall or board. Upon contact, the molten iron bursts into brilliant sparks, resembling blooming flowers in the night sky.
Performer Safety:
To protect themselves from burns, performers wear thick leather coats and straw hats. This ancient skill requires not only precision and experience but also courage, as mistakes could lead to severe injuries.
Cultural Significance and Modern Development
Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage:
In 2010, Da Tie Hua was designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, gaining both domestic and international recognition. Although the tradition had declined with the rise of modern fireworks, efforts to revive it have succeeded, bringing this ancient craft back into the spotlight.
Modern Integration and Celebrations:
Today, Da Tie Hua is performed at festivals, grand openings, and New Year celebrations, not only in China but also internationally. For instance, it will be part of Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple’s New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2024, adding a unique cultural touch to ring in the new year with blessings and hopes for the future.
Song Dynasty Origins:
The roots of Da Tie Hua trace back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279). It began as a tradition among blacksmiths during festivals like the Lantern Festival to pray for prosperity, happiness, and peace. Blacksmiths, using the skills and heat from their work, created dazzling sparks by splashing molten iron. The resulting visual display symbolized the hope to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune.
Ritual of Blessing:
Da Tie Hua was traditionally performed to invoke blessings from the heavens and ward off disasters. It is closely associated with festivals such as Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, marking the arrival of good fortune and celebrating the new year.
Performance Process of Da Tie Hua
Preparing Molten Iron:
The performance begins with heating iron to about 1,600°C (2,912°F) until it melts into a liquid state. The temperature and consistency must be carefully controlled to ensure smooth pouring.
Creating the Flower Sparks:
During the performance, the molten iron is ladled into a wooden spoon and flung against a wall or board. Upon contact, the molten iron bursts into brilliant sparks, resembling blooming flowers in the night sky.
Performer Safety:
To protect themselves from burns, performers wear thick leather coats and straw hats. This ancient skill requires not only precision and experience but also courage, as mistakes could lead to severe injuries.
Cultural Significance and Modern Development
Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage:
In 2010, Da Tie Hua was designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China, gaining both domestic and international recognition. Although the tradition had declined with the rise of modern fireworks, efforts to revive it have succeeded, bringing this ancient craft back into the spotlight.
Modern Integration and Celebrations:
Today, Da Tie Hua is performed at festivals, grand openings, and New Year celebrations, not only in China but also internationally. For instance, it will be part of Fo Guang Shan Nan Hua Temple’s New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, 2024, adding a unique cultural touch to ring in the new year with blessings and hopes for the future.
