The birthplace of fireworks was discovered in ancient China. The discovery of gunpowder was during the Sung Dynasty (960-1279). It is said, by some, that a cook found sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal flammable if it were in a small-enclosed place. The Chinese thought that the loud noise from the fireworks would scare off evil spirits. They also used fireworks to celebrate weddings, battle victories, religious ceremonies, and later adapted them for military use during the Middle Ages.

Rockets from China

In the 6^th Century the Chinese built carved, wooden rockets, shaped as dragons using blackpowder for propulsion. These rockets were used against the Mongol invaders in 1279. Rockets are still built and used today. The Chinese are leaders in fireworks production, too.

The knowledge of making fireworks spread west by explorers, through Arabia in the 17^th Century. The Arabs called rockets, Chinese arrows. Around 1241, the Mongols were credited with taking Chinese fireworks and gunpowder Europe. Around 1258, was the first record of their use in Europe.

The Italians were the first Europeans to make their own fireworks. They also were European masters of firework-making through the end of the 17^th Century. Their fireworks were used all over Europe for celebrating great occasions.

By the 14^th Century Europe led China in firework and gunpowder development, which was around the same time the gun was invented. Shot and gunpowder for military use were made by tradesmen who were later called firemakers. They also made fireworks for peace and victory celebrations. Two European schools of fireworks emerged: one in Italy and one in Germany. The Italian school emphasized firework displays and the German school emphasized the scientific advances of fireworks. Both schools helped develop the use of fireworks for entertainment purposes in the mid-17^th Century.

The Chinese still are the leaders in fireworks’ production. In the 6th century they built carved, wooden rockets shaped as dragons using black powder. These rockets were used against the Mongol invaders in 1279. Rockets are still built the same today.

What they were used for

The new settlers of the New World brought their love of fireworks to America. They fired gunpowder to celebrate holidays and impress the natives. During the time of the American Revolution fireworks were a part of celebrating important events. In the late 18^th Century politicians used firework displays to attract people to their speeches. As Americans continued to have reason to celebrate, the use of fireworks became more popular.

Improper use of fireworks

Fireworks became popular in the United States in the mid-19^th Century. Injuries to children caused by improper use of fireworks drew concern by parents and lawmakers. As a result of so many injuries, many states of the U.S. and parts of Canada restrict the sale of fireworks.

Development

Up until the 19^th Century, fireworks didn’t have any major visual characteristics. Firework designers then began to use combinations of chemical elements to add color. They used potassium chlorate and various metallic salts to make bright colors. The salts of these metals make these colors: strontium burns red, copper makes blue, barium glows green, and sodium burns yellow. White sparks and flashes are made magnesium, aluminum, and titanium.

The popularity of fireworks have grown in the recent years because the effects of colors and sound have gotten better. Today fireworks can include choreographed music and timed launching to impress the audience. These firework displays also give the audience memories to last throughout their life.

[Return to Our Welcome Page]