A fireworks event (fireworks display, fireworks show) is a spectacular display of the effects produced by firework devices on various occasions. Fireworks competitions are also regularly held at a number of places.
History of fireworks
In the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220) firecrackers 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.
The discovery of gunpowder and the invention of the first true fireworks are traditionally credited to the Chinese, although India is also a likely source. Some scholars believe fireworks were developed in the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581–907), but others believe 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.
Musick for the Royal Fireworks was composed by George Frideric Handel in 1749 to celebrate the peace of Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which had been declared the previous year.
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.
In 2004, Disneyland in Anaheim, California, started using air burst fireworks launched with compressed air rather than black powder, the first time that such a launch system was used commercially. The display charge is detonated using an electronic timer. The advantages of compressed air launch are a reduction in fumes, and much greater accuracy in height and timing. (Walt Disney Company, 2004)
Today, the world's most prominent industry competition for fireworks manufacturers is Le Mondial SAQ in Montreal.
Fireworks events
Bonfire night in Britain
In 1605 Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted to blow up the British Parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellars of Westminster Hall. On 5 November, Fawkes was arrested and Parliament was saved. That night is now celebrated as bonfire night by filling the sky with exploding fireworks, and by burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire.
- Remember, remember the fifth of November.
- Gunpowder, treason and plot.
- I see no reason why gunpowder treason
- Should ever be forgot.
- – a children's rhyme about the events, still spoken today
Licensing for firework sellers has recently been introduced in the United Kingdom. Fireworks cannot be sold to people under the age of 18 and setting them off between 11pm and 7am is only allowed at specific times of the year, including New Year and Bonfire night.
Along the same lines, in Canada, during Halloween, many fireworks displays are seen throughout.
Independence Day in the United States
Each year before the American Independence Day, the Fourth of July, retail fireworks stands spring up around the nation in states that do not severely restrict or outright ban all fireworks for safety reasons (such as Nevada). Popular types of legal use-at-home fireworks include:
- Roman candles
- Fountain batteries
- Sparklers
- "Snakes" (turn to ash)
- Saturn missile batteries
- Smoke bombs (not an actual explosive)
Note that South Carolina sells slightly more explosive fireworks in addition to these popular types; these are usually referred to as "firecrackers". Interestingly, South Carolina also sells fireworks at stands year-round.
Because of the hodge-podge of different regulations in the various U.S. states, many towns at or near state borders set up shop in order to attract customers from areas where fireworks are restricted. A similar situation can happen with Native American tribes that have reservation lands. They often sell firecrackers that are not legal for sale outside of the reservation. Such firecracker types include, but are not limited to:
- Cherry bombs
- M-80 firecrackers
- M-100 firecrackers
- M-1000 firecrackers
- "Black cat" rolls
- Mortar tubes
- Bottle rockets
Note that actual ownership or sale of true cherry bombs, M-80 style salutes, or any firecracker in excess of 50 milligrams of powder is a violation of federal law (1966 Child Protection Act). Native Americans, like any other U.S. citizen, are not exempt from federal law.
New Year's Eve
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.
In Western Europe the use of fireworks by the general public is usually restricted to a few hours after midnight on New Year's eve.
The retail of fireworks in Western Europe is also restricted, but the limitations differ from country to country. In the Netherlands for example the sale of fireworks is restricted to a few days before New-Year's eve, but in Belgium the sale of fireworks is legal throughout the year. Also the fireworks sold in Belgium contain more gunpowder than is allowed in the Netherlands. This leads to some illegal trafficking of fireworks from Belgium to the Netherlands.
Deepavali (Festival of Lights) in India
Deepavali (or Diwali) is the most popular festival of India, which broadly celebrates the triumph of good over evil primarily symbolized in the mythological epic of Ramayana in which the Hindu God Rama defeats his demonic adversary Ravana. Customary traditions include offering prayers to the Gods in the morning and exchanging sweets with friends and neighbors. During the night the houses are adorned with small lit oil lamps and colorful lights and then the entire family participates in the display of fireworks.
Unlike Western nations, retail of fireworks is largely unrestricted in India. People have access to a variety of fireworks and most of them in urban areas set it off on the public roads running in front of their houses. In smaller towns, the large temples of the town typically have public fireworks displays. Deepavali brings the spirit of goodwill and brotherhood and is celebrated across all religions in India.
Laws and politics
Safety of consumer fireworks
Fireworks have often been under legal debate. Supporters argue that consumer fireworks should be allowed, while opponents argue that fireworks often cause injuries. Opponents also say that many people do not have much knowledge on using consumer fireworks safely.
Some states in the United States have strict laws on fireworks, and each year, there are many raids on individuals suspected of having "illegal" fireworks.
Pollution
Because fireworks produces smoke that have heavy metal compounds and other toxic chemicals, some countries are against the use of fireworks, arguing that they cause major pollution.
References
- Walt Disney Company (June 28, 2004). Disney debuts new safer, quieter and more environmentally-friendly fireworks technology. Press Release.
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