Culture in Fireworks

Culture in Fireworks

Although in the initial days of its accidental discovery in China, fireworks were used more as a tool to frighten evil spirits because of the loud bang with which they would burst, and graduated into an important part of every major festivity, it wasn't too long before the potential of fireworks, as a weapon of warfare was understood.

Culture in Fireworks

Although in the initial days of its accidental discovery in China, fireworks were used more as a tool to frighten evil spirits because of the loud bang with which they would burst, and graduated into an important part of every major festivity, it wasn't too long before the potential of fireworks, as a weapon of warfare was understood. Within a short time after its discovery, the Chinese already had fire arrows that would shoot arrows with great force through the use of gunpowder. Another interesting wartime application of the gunpowder by the Chinese in the early days was what was known as “ground rats';. The Chinese used the newfound weapon to propel rats at great speed towards the enemy from within bamboo tubes filled with gunpowder. The psychological effect of this on the humans and animals present on the battlefield was tremendous.

Guy Fawkes Day

Guy Fawkes is a well-known name in English history for his association with the infamous plot to assassinate the King of England and blow up the parliament in May 1604. The plot was masterminded by Robert Catesby and was to be executed by Guy Fawkes, but misfired due to the information that one of the plotters made available to his friend and relative, Lord Monteagle, fearing for his life. Guy Fawkes was caught red handed in the search that followed, and was subsequently executed for his involvement in the plot. The King ordered that the day be celebrated as the “joyful day of deliverance.” That’s how Guy Fawkes Day, which continues to be celebrated even now, came to be. Interestingly, other cultures in the world also celebrate the destruction of evil with fireworks and bursting of firecrackers.

Fireworks and the “Green Man”

Fireworks practitioners are historically associated with the mythical “Green Man”, whose characteristics are rooted partly in reality, with associations ranging from witchcraft to Robin Hood. The Green Man is also associated with men of the medieval times who were dressed in green to camouflage themselves, and brandished fire.

American Independence Day

The association of the American Independence day and fireworks is well known. There are several interesting facts about the Fourth of July celebrations involving fireworks. Fireworks came into America through the new settlers in the beginning of the 17th century. Newcastle in Pennsylvania State has earned the reputation of being the fireworks capital of America. Considering that most of the display companies with a national presence in the US have their roots in Newcastle, this appellation seems perfectly justified.

Fireworks hold a special place in the American Independence day celebrations held on the fourth of July every year. It was in 1776 that the Independence Day celebrations were first held with fireworks. Spectacular fireworks shows are organized all over the country every year to celebrate the American Independence day. Private fireworks are also sold and used in many States on that day, although many States have banned or limited such use. However, the enthusiasm of the people is such that the bans are circumvented through smuggling of the fireworks on that day from States that allow their sale into States that have banned them. Shows in Boston’s Charles River, the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and the East River in New York City are among the major fireworks displays on that day. New York city’s fireworks display is claimed to be the world’s largest, involving 20,000 aerial shells and special effects. The New York fire department adds to the effect by shooting coloured water over the East river from where the fireworks are set off. Many of the fireworks display today are organized with the help of computer programs, and feature music and choreography. The shows themselves have, however, become shorter over the years. Although fireworks use has more than doubled in the last decade, the number of accidents has come down.

The marriage of King Louis XVI to Maria Antoinette will be remembered for marking one of the worst tragedies in the history of fireworks. More than 800 people were killed in a stampede that occurred during a fireworks display that was held to celebrate the event.