A Brief History of Fireworks
A thousand years of fizzz...
The discovery of gunpowder – a chance combination of potassium nitrate, sulphur and charcoal, probably in a wood fire - and the invention of the first fireworks (bamboo cases or rolled paper tubes filled with explosives) are traditionally credited to the ancient Chinese. The sound of these first firecrackers, which appeared around 2,000 years ago, was so loud that the Chinese were soon convinced that the noise would scare away evil spirits. Then almost any event – be it birth, death, wedding, coronation or New Year celebration – became a fit occasion for the noisemakers.
The use of gunpowder, or "gung pow" as the Chinese called it, spread to Islamic Asia where it was used in military applications against the Europeans. It is most probable that gunpowder was perfected by the Arabs or even by a German monk, Berthold Schwarz (the powder monk). The adaptation of gunpowder into rocketry was then reintroduced into China. The original skyrocket used a long wooden or bamboo stick to provide a low center of balance and provide stability through flight.
Fireworks made their way to Europe sometime in the 13th century, probably carried back from the East by Crusaders. While the military use of gunpowder was a turning point in mediaeval warfare, the popularity of fireworks as an entertainment also grew, and by the 15th century they were widely used for religious festivals and public entertainment.
The Italians were the first Europeans to manufacture fireworks and were the undisputed European masters of fireworks-making through the end of the 17th century.The first recorded display in England celebrated the wedding of Henry VII in 1487. Shakespeare mentions them several times in his plays, and Elizabeth I enjoyed them so much she appointed a "Fire Master of England".
In addition to celebrations marking special achievements or events many countries have an annual day on the calendar set aside especially for fireworks. In the United States it is Independence Day, July 4th, in France Bastille Day, July 14th, and in Britain, Guy Fawkes Night, November the 5th, commemorating the failed attempt in 1605 by Fawkes and his fellow conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament.
“Please to remember, the Fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
We know no reason why Gunpowder Treason
should ever be forgot.”
Britain has a long and proud fireworks tradition. The first display on the River Thames was in 1613 to celebrate the marriage of King James’ daughter. The Thames is still a popular location for grand displays in the capital and in recent years the biggest displays have included VJ Day and Millennium celebrations.
Around the world major firework celebrations include the Statue of Liberty Display in New York, Australia’s New Year’s Eve Display on Sydney Harbour Bridge and Japan’s Sumida River Display in Tokyo.
The year 2005 commemorates the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot – another occasion on which to light the blue touch paper and retire…
