Fireworks and Its History and Events

Fireworks and Its History and Events

Fireworks are popularly used to celebrate events, for example, fireworks for weddings, fireworks for schools, Independence Day and other similar events to make the day more special and memorable. But are you aware of the fact that these bright lights that make our events special are the invention of the Chinese some 2000 years ago?

Fireworks – Its History and Events

Fireworks are popularly used to celebrate events, for example, fireworks for weddings, fireworks for schools, Independence Day and other similar events to make the day more special and memorable. But are you aware of the fact that these bright lights that make our events special are the invention of the Chinese some 2000 years ago? There are many legends prevalent in China that differ as to who actually invented these bright fireworks. One such interesting story is that these were the accidental invention of a Chinese cook! Legend has it that this cook, while working in a field kitchen, burned charcoal, saltpeter and sulphur together and this mixture when compressed into a bamboo tube led to a loud explosion. Today we know the powder resulting from the mixing of the three ingredients as gun powder. However, there are some people who feel that the present day firecrackers were invented by a Chinese Monk called Li Tian some 1000 years ago. Since then the Chinese have used fireworks for all events, good or bad, for weddings, births, deaths. They believe that these fireworks will ward off evil spirits and bring in prosperity. Using fireworks for school events is a recent phenomenon but there are many dos and don'ts regarding such usage.

Advent of Fireworks in Europe and the United States

There is a debate as to who originally introduced fireworks to Europe, was it Marco Polo or the European Crusaders? It is believed that Marco Polo brought the gun powder to the Middle East and the European Crusaders brought it from the Middle East to present day Europe. In Europe the first use of gunpowder was in canons and guns and it was much later that the Italians used it to make the present day fireworks. It was the Italians that added color to the original fireworks and set the stage for the present day fireworks displays that brighten up all important events. After the Italians, came the Germans in the 18th century. Later the English and the Americans started using fireworks to celebrate and commemorate the various events in their lives. Ever since its introduction, fireworks have been used time and again to commemorate important events in our lives. Fireworks essentially fall into two main categories, consumer fireworks and display fireworks. The former is used at home to celebrate important events in our lives and includes sparklers, skyrockets, aerial shells, snakes, firecracker packs etc., while the latter is used mainly for public displays and professional purposes and requires an ATF license or permit. These include a wide variety of display shells, multiple tube fountains, multi tube devices, salutes, aerial shells etc.

Fireworks Events across the Globe

Ever since its advent in the modern day world, fireworks have been used to celebrate various events across the Globe. These events include the Guy Fawkes Day celebrated in Great Britain, U.S. Independence Day, Canada Day, Diwali and Thrissur Puram in India, Halloween, Chinese New Year celebrations, Singapore and the Japanese Fireworks Festival, among others. Along with these events, there are major fireworks competitions organized across the world that stage beautiful fireworks displays that are adjudged and awarded. In these competitions, leading fireworks display companies from all parts of the world participate and showcase their fireworks displays.

Fireworks are increasingly used today to celebrate events like weddings, birthdays or mini bonfires being celebrated at homes and schools. Given the popularity of fireworks, more and more schools are allowing fireworks displays within school premises during bonfires and special events like Independence Day. There are many fireworks companies that showcase or display fireworks for weddings and fireworks for schools. Given this modern day trend, the lawmakers and fireworks safety regulators have laid down many rules and regulations that need be followed while using fireworks in the midst of children. Similarly while buying fireworks you should first assess whether fireworks are legally allowed in your area and then buy them from a registered retailer. Also you should ensure that you have understood the method in which the firework is to be lighted before you buy them, otherwise it could cause problems. Lastly you should ensure that you have maximum open space to enjoy the bright lights without causing harm to your surroundings.