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A Bit of History Behind the Magic

by Scott Sevener ⋅ July 1, 2006 ⋅  Email this column ⋅  Print this column ⋅

Editorial Note: This article originally appeared in R.E.A.D. on July 1, 2006.

“…and the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air…”

Words originally written in our Star-Spangled Banner as a euphemism for the struggles our forefathers faced when they fought tooth and nail for our nation’s independence over two hundred years ago, they’re now interpreted with second meaning – that to showcase one of the trademark pastimes for the celebration of our independence here in the United States of America each year as the 4^th of July comes into view. I’m referring, of course, to the multitude of fireworks displays that will soon be filling our night skies as we gather with family and friends to pay tribute to that classic red, white and blue…

But although ask pretty much any American and they’ll be quick to relate fireworks with the 4^th of July and that’s about it, it’s actually quite interesting to learn that such practices were around long before our Founding Fathers had even been born yet! And while it’s tricky to pinpoint exactly who or even what timeframe was initially responsible for the creation of these dazzling displays of sparkling lights, I thought it might be fun to take just a moment here today to discuss where fireworks may have come from as a segue into that classic summer celebration that we all look forward to the other nine months out of the year!

Dating back as far as nearly 2000 years ago, the most popular legend prevails that the concept of fireworks, or small, combustible instruments (i.e. firecrackers), first came about in a Chinese kitchen when a cook accidentally mixed charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter to create the flammable contents of the original firecrackers. Science would lead us to believe that when placed inside an enclosure, such as a small, bamboo tube, the contents would explode under the pressure, and thus classic fireworks were born! While these events themselves are slated by historians anywhere from 2000 years ago to closer to the 9^th century during the Song dynasty, the Chinese are regardless credited with the discovery of gunpowder and first utilized fireworks not only for entertainment purposes, but also as a part of their rituals as a way of fending off evil spirits.

From the West, our new technology eventually worked its way around the globe to Europe, and although we’re still not sure whether that was the work of the famous Marco Polo or even the Crusaders themselves, we do know one thing – Queen Elizabeth I loved her some fireworks and even created a new position during her reign entitled the “Fire Master of England” to oversee fireworks displays and progress the nation round! Sadly things took a turn for the worst at this point and began transcending from entertainment props into weapons as the first rockets and guns were invented, thus some might even say paving the way for the very battles that they would later be celebrating the victories over, for those of you in the crowd who can appreciate a good bit of irony. All through their development, though, the Chinese continued to stay involved with the production of fireworks and even helped to establish trade groundwork between the United States and China in the mid-1900s.

When you break it down, it’s really kind of amazing to see such a history behind those classic creations that have truly become something of an icon for summer and celebrations and of course, our nation’s Independence Day itself. Just a little something to remember when you’re watching the shows over the next month and find yourself continuously dazzled by the awe of the colors and shapes sparkling in the night sky – we’ve come a long way, baby!