Origins of fireworks

Introduction

Fireworks are a classic part of celebrations across the globe. But did you know that fireworks have been around for thousands of years? It turns out that the Chinese first invented fireworks in the ninth century A.D. As technology spread across Europe and Asia, fireworks started as a way to scare away evil spirits and enemies to become the exciting form of entertainment we have today.

Ancient China

China first invented fireworks in the Ninth Century A.D. Pyrotechnics and combustibles were used for both practical and entertainment purposes. Firecrackers were designed to ward off evil spirits but quickly became popular as a celebration. Over time, fireworks spread throughout Asia and Europe, eventually reaching the Americas via European explorers. China used fireworks for war and religious ceremonies; some even theorize that the Chinese military may have invented fireworks to frighten enemies during battle or protect their forces from attack by creating loud noises to disorient enemy soldiers.

Weapons of War

Ancient Chinese fireworks were made with bamboo shoots packed with gunpowder and thrown into fires. The gunpowder exploded when the bamboo burst from the flame’s heat and pressure. You might be surprised to learn that fireworks were once used as weapons of war. They were launched into enemy towns to set them on fire or scare away the people.

The oldest written reference to fireworks in China

The earliest known references to fireworks are from China, dating back to 1040 AD and several centuries later than their first appearance in Europe (1238). The Chinese used fireworks for religious ceremonies, such as temple festivals, banquets, and weddings. Fireworks were also seen as symbols of wealth and power; emperors would use them during celebrations featuring elaborate displays at court banquets or upon entering new palaces or cities.

Wei Boyang

Some historians believe that there is a chance fireworks came from ancient India. However, the Chinese are still generally credited with the invention of gunpowder and all its applications — including fireworks. During the Warring States period (475–221 BC), an alchemist named Wei Boyang was said to have created something like flash powder by mixing sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. In addition to being used as an explosive weapon in warfare, a similar mixture also made it possible for people to create beautiful, bursting lights at night by throwing them into fires or setting off sparklers on New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Wei Boyang was a Chinese writer and alchemist of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Firework Evolution

The idea of exploding bamboo shoots eventually evolved into other forms, such as “ground rats,” which were stuffed firecrackers launched from wooden barrels. They also developed small rockets that contained strings and paper streamers that would ignite as they flew upward through the air, creating colorful designs for onlookers. The first rockets were used for religious ceremonies and festivals to entertain crowds and ward off evil spirits. Historians believe nearly 100 fireworks were created by 1260 A.D. in China. In the late 14th century, Buddhist monks who had visited China introduced these early Chinese fireworks to Japan. And by the 1500s, they had become an integral part of Shintoism rituals, a Japanese form of Buddhism. As time went on and technology advanced over the centuries, more elaborate fireworks arrangements started being used for entertainment.

Marco Polo

Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer who traveled the world in search of adventure. His journey lasted 24 years and was sponsored by the Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. In Europe, fireworks were brought from China to Italy by Polo in 1292. Venetian merchants quickly adopted the fireworks and used them to celebrate the end of their voyages. They later spread throughout Europe during the Renaissance period.

Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant, explorer, and writer.

Fireworks used for entertainment in Europe

By the end of the 14th century, fireworks were used for entertainment at many royal events to celebrate weddings, coronations, and victories in battle. At times, fireworks were even employed during wartime for psychological warfare—the idea that they would make the enemy think that their army was more significant than it was. Fireworks served an essential purpose in signaling celebrations and religious holidays throughout history. Guy Fawkes Day—named after a Catholic dissenter who tried to blow up Parliament with barrels full of gunpowder in 1605; or New Year’s Eve, people all over the world light fireworks to welcome a new year into existence.

The First Fourth of July Celebration

In 1777, Philadelphia celebrated America’s independence with a massive fireworks display. The show was held on July 4th on the Delaware River to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. The fireworks were first launched from ship masts to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The display lasted approximately ten minutes, with each blast representing a colony that had joined in rebellion against Great Britain. The celebration signaled a new era in American history marked by self-government, freedom, and progress. Americans still celebrate the Fourth of July, not only with massive fireworks displays but parades and a day off from work.

Conclusion

The history of fireworks is long and fascinating, from the ancient Chinese warriors. They first created them to scare off enemies, to today’s elaborate displays, and an exciting connection to other cultures worldwide. Fireworks have come a long way!