jarv95888 Jun 27, 2014:

Though no trace of "firecrackers" is shown in the context, there is a possibility that the term refers to beautiful scenes in springtime. It parallels to the foregoing joyful snow scenes in wintertime. If you check classic resources, you'll find that it means beautiful (绚烂) flowers in the mist. We usually use "绚烂" to describe flowers.
http://xuewen.cnki.net/searchentry.aspx?key=烟花

Sharon Toh, MITI MCIL Jun 27, 2014:

鞭炮 is called 'firecrackers'... Since 鞭炮 was mentioned, let me clarify that 鞭炮 is called 'firecrackers'.
I've just done a quick search on Wiki to look for reference, and here it is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firecracker

Michael Moss Jun 26, 2014:

烟花 vs 鞭炮 烟花 is used to describe fireworks that explode in the sky with bright colors.
鞭炮 would also be called "fireworks" in English, but in Chinese are used for the red bandolier-like fireworks that just explode on the ground to make noise.