Submitted by Shiyi Chen

This soundscape is dominated by the loud, rapid banging of firecrackers outside a home nearing completion in Jiangxi, China. The moment celbrates the installation of an old wooden beam from the house that was demolished to make way for a new home. Although the beam no longer serves a structural purpose, it is considered auspicious to install it in the roof of the new house.

The residents of the house were here to mark the occasion. In China, firecrackers are lit to mark all kinds of occasions, no matter how joyous or sad. In this case, our recording captures a joyful celebration.