A history of fireworks |
| Date Added: June 02, 2009 11:06:53 AM |
| Author: jim mellor |
| Category: Education: History |
| Firework History The earliest unequivocal documentation of fireworks dates back to 12th century China, where they were first used to frighten away evil spirits with their loud sound ("bian pao") and also to pray for happiness and prosperity. Eventually, the art and science of firework making developed into an independent profession of its own. In ancient China , pyrotechnicians (firework-masters) were well-respected for their knowledge and skill to mount dazzling displays of light and sound. Through adventurous explorers, the knowledge of making fireworks spread west, through Arabia. The Arabs called the rockets Chinese arrows. The Mongols are credited with taking Chinese rockets and gunpowder to Europe around 1241. The first record of their use in Europe are around 1258. Until the 19th century, fireworks lacked a major aesthetically essential characteristic: color. Pyrotechnicians began to use a combination of potassium chlorate and various metallic salts to make brilliant colors. The salts of these metals produce the different colors: strontium burns red; copper makes blue; barium glows green; and sodium, yellow. Magnesium, aluminum, and titanium were found to give off white sparkles or a flash. Even though China invented the fireworks, Europe surpassed them in pyrotechnic development in the 14th century, which coincides with the time the gun was invented. Shot and gunpowder for military use was made by skilled tradesmen, later called firemakers, who also made fireworks for peace or victory celebrations. During the Renaissance, two European schools of pyrotechnic thought emerged: one in Italy and the other at Nuremberg, Germany. The Italian school of pyrotechnics emphasized elaborate fireworks, and the German school stressed scientific advancement. Both schools added significantly to further development of pyrotechnics, and by the mid-17th century fireworks were used for entertainment on an unprecedented scale in Europe, being popular even at resorts and public gardens. In the mid-19th century fireworks became popular in the United States. Injuries associated with fireworks, particularly to children, eventually discouraged their unrestricted use. As a result, in many states of the U.S. and in parts of Canada the sale of fireworks is now restricted by law Bonfire Night In 1605 Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted to blow up the Parliament of England while the King was inside with 36 barrels of gunpowder in the cellars of Westminster Hall . On 5 November , Fawkes was arrested and Parliament was saved. That night is now celebrated, both in England and the rest of the United Kingdom , as Guy Fawkes Night or bonfire night by filling the sky with exploding fireworks, and by burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire . Remember, remember the fifth of November. Gunpowder, treason, and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Will ever be forgot. – a children's rhyme about the events, still spoken today The town of Lewes is famous for its annual Guy Fawkes Night celebrations. Local groups, 'bonfire societies' conduct torch-lit marches around the town, vying with each other for the best fancy-dress outfits and topical celebrity figures that are later burnt. The largest and probably the most impressive annual fireworks display in the UK is however held not in November, but in early September in Edinburgh . Since 1981 the world's largest arts festival has ended each year with a combination of live open air orchestral pieces (performed in the Ross Band Stand, Princes Street Gardens) whilst a panoply of fireworks are launched from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle immediately behind. The natural ampitheatre which the Princes Street area provides creates a perfect setting for enjoying the music and fireworks. New Years Eve Major cities around the world host a spectacular firework display on New Year's Eve . Although it is now just a custom to fire off fireworks on New-Year's eve, in the past the idea was to scare ' bad forces ' so they would not enter the new year. As a consequence the most popular fireworks are still those that go off with a big bang or with a bright flash. Halloween In Ireland (both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland ), during the Halloween season, there are many spectacular fireworks displays. The largest are in Derry and Dublin. The sale of fireworks is restricted in the Republic of Ireland, though many illegal fireworks are sold throughout October or smuggled over the Northern Ireland border. There is a €10,000 fine for possessing them, or a five year prison sentence. for more info look at http://www.manchester-fireworks.com/Displays |
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