Fireworks History

 

As early as the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220) the world's first firecracker (basic fireworks) were made by roasting bamboo to produce the loud sound (known as "bian pao") that was intended to frighten evil spirits. In the Northern and Southern Dynasties (AD 420–581) the firecrackers were used not only to dispel evil but also to pray for happiness and prosperity.An etching of the 'Royal Fireworks' display on the Thames in 1749.

An etching of the 'Royal Fireworks' display on the Thames in 1749.

The discovery of gunpowder and the subsequent invention of true fireworks is owed to the Chinese. Taoist monks played with the basic components of gunpowder to create fireworks in their spare time. Eventually, the art and science of firework making developed into an independent profession of its own. In ancient China, pyrotechnicians (firework-masters) were well-respected for their knowledge and skill to mount dazzling displays of light and sound. Some scholars say fireworks were developed in the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581–907), but others argue there were no fireworks until the Northern Song Dynasty (10th century).

Since then, any event—a birth, death, wedding, coronation, or New Year's Eve celebration—has become a fitting occasion for noisemakers.

America's earliest settlers brought their enthusiasm for fireworks to the United States. Fireworks and black powder were used to celebrate important events long before the American Revolutionary War. The very first celebrations of Independence Day were in 1777, six years before Americans knew whether the new nation would survive the war; fireworks were a part of those festivities. In 1789, George Washington's inauguration was also accompanied by a fireworks display. This early fascination with their noise and color continues today.

 

Independence Day in the United StatesFireworks are a popular part of the United States' Independence Day celebrations. These are exploding over the Washington Monument.

Fireworks are a popular part of the United States' Independence Day celebrations. These are exploding over the Washington Monument

Each year before the American Independence Day, the Fourth of July, retailers across the nation experience a surge in fireworks sales. Popular types of fireworks are listed below.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) as well as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have general jurisdiction over what types of fireworks may be legally sold in the United States. The federal law is only the minimum standard however, and each state is free to enact laws that are more stringent if they so choose. Citing concerns over fireworks safety, some states, such as California, have enacted legislation restricting fireworks usage to devices that do not leave the ground, such as fountains, while states such as New York ban all consumer fireworks completely. On the other hand, states such as South Carolina allow most or all legal consumer fireworks to be sold and used throughout the year.

Differences in legislation among states have led many fireworks dealers to set up shop along state borders in order to attract customers from neighboring states where fireworks are restricted. Some Native American tribes on reservation lands show similar behavior, often selling fireworks that are not legal for sale outside of the reservation.

The type of fireworks sold in the United States vary widely, from fireworks which are legal under federal law, all the way to illegal explosive devices/professional fireworks that are sold on the black market. Both the illicit manufacture and diversion of illegal explosives to the consumer market have become a growing problem in recent years. The types fireworks sold at retail stands and stores include, but are not limited to:

Consumer Fireworks (1.4G, UN0336)

  • reloadable aerial shells

  • single-shot aerial tubes

  • bottle rockets

  • skyrockets and missiles

  • ground spinners, pinwheels and helicopters

  • flares & fountains

  • roman candles

  • smoke and novelty items

  • multi-shot aerial devices, or "cakes"

  • Firecracker packs

Legality Note: Current federal law states that (without appropriate BATFE license/permit) the possession or sale of any display/professional fireworks is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Although some large firecraker items may be called "M-80's", "M-1000's", "Cherry Bombs" or "Silver Salutes" by the manufacturer, they must contain less than 50-milligrams of flash or other explosive powder in order to be legally sold to consumers in the United States.

New Year's EveSydney, Australia leads the world in one of the first major New Year's Eve celebrations each year

Sydney, Australia leads the world in one of the first major New Year's Eve celebrations each year

Major cities around the world host spectacular firework display on New Year's eve. Although it is now just a custom to fire off fireworks on New-Year's eve, in the past the idea was to scare 'bad forces' so they would not enter the new year. As a consequence the most popular fireworks are still those that go off with a big bang or with a bright flash.

Lunar New Year in Hong Kong

Fireworks are displayed annually on the second day of the first moon in the Chinese calendar since 1982 in the Victoria Harbour. It has become part of the culture and tradition for the Hong Kong Chinese to go to the promenades along the two sides of the harbour to see the fireworks, or to watch the broadcast on television.