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The long journey of Fireworks
Fire has had a special place in human evolution. After discovering that friction caused heat and fire, man used it to protect himself from animals, cook, mould metal and more. While most things have turned electric, our fascination with fire is still evident in our love for fireworks. Who doesn't love the whoosh of rockets as they hit the night sky? Or roman candles that bring extra delight to special occasions? Let's take a brief journey back in history to discover how fireworks, as we know them today, came into being.
Chinese connection
Generally speaking, China is acknowledged as the birthplace of fireworks. It is said that way back in 960AD, during the Sung dynasty, it was discovered that the mixture of sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal could be used to create explosives. Who would have imagined the fireworks for sale today were conceived in China. Fireworks were first used for entertainment. To this day, they are used around the world for the same reason. They have also evolved in usage, where they are used to commemorate special occasions like wedding fireworks, or for that matter, even Christmas crackers. These fireworks have come to mean something to us. To this day, the Chinese manufacture and export huge quantities of fireworks although, one must be careful to ensure that they are up to the British Standard in safety and quality. cheap fireworks for sale from foreign sources must be assessed thoroughly before purchase.
European Innovation
The Chinese invention travelled to Europe and was first used in 1258. However, it was years before the levels of aesthetics and safety we see today, say in indoor fireworks or others, was developed. It was in the 19th century that Pyrotechnicians started using color with the inclusion of potassium chlorate and other metallic salts. Indeed, the dazzling effects we see in sparklers or other magnificent fireworks display came into being only recently. Soon fireworks moved from the lab to tradesmen, as a group called firemakers evolved. During the renaissance, among art and literature, fireworks were also enjoying a renaissance, as in countries like Italy and Germany Pyrotechnicians were competing to produce better and better effects. The Italians believed in elaborate fireworks while Germans were particular about advancing in the field scientifically. Today, of course, we've come a long way, where we can buy fireworks online at the click of a mouse.
The next time you're out to buy fireworks, do remember the long journey fireworks have made, from ancient China to Italy during the Renaissance.
The Bright History of Chinese Fireworks
Fireworks have been lighting the skies for a long time. Appreciated by many people who enjoy the spectacle of the bright lights and shapes created out of nothing but different types of powders, fireworks have evolved significantly over time.
The Beginning
Gunpowder, the main component of pyrotechnics, was invented in China somewhere in the 7th century. It is considered to be one of the four greatest inventions of ancient China. Interestingly, gunpowder wasn’t used in warfare till the 14th century. During this period of almost 700 years, gunpowder was used mainly to create displays of lights and sounds across China, and even today is considered an integral part of any festival with Chinese influence. In Japan, crackers are lit in temples, as it is believed the noise created chases away evil spirits. These pyrotechnic devices have come in many shapes and sizes, and since the beginning they were classified into ground and aerial displays. Not surprisingly, even today, China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world. However, care needs to be taken when you do buy Chinese fireworks, as some of the exported material will not meet UK Standards of safely and quality. Trying to save money and buy cheap Chinese material is never advisable, as they are still made up of explosives, and can have serious consequences. The invention made an impression in the courts of Europe in 1258, and was very much sought after. In that day and age, Chinese designs were copied and used without much care taken towards safety and health concerns.
The Last 200 Years
The last two hundred years in Europe and the rest of the world saw great developments in Chinese fireworks designs. People experimented with chemicals to create a range of colours and designs. The fireworks you might buy today, will still use the same basic principle invented by the Chinese many years ago, but would be very different in terms of colours and the burst pattern. Sparklers, multi flowers, and many other designs you see at displays are all recent designs. Also the development of safety and health regulations has compelled manufacturers to modify their manufacturing process to create safer pyrotechnics.
