How Fireworks Became a Fourth of July Tradition
Although fireworks appear at New Year’s celebrations, sporting events, and even weddings, their main day is undoubtedly the Fourth of July. But how did the demonstration of explosives become associated with Independence Day in America? And when did it start? Here’s what you need to know about the country’s loudest tradition.
When were fireworks invented?
Firecrackers originated in China nearly 2,000 years ago and involved heating bamboo stalks (and the air inside them) until they turned black and then exploding under pressure. Then, sometime between 600-900 B.C. BC AD, Chinese alchemists began filling bamboo stems with gunpowder— a combination of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal—creating an early version of the type of fireworks still in use today.
When did fireworks appear in America?
Fireworks began to enter Europe along the Silk Road trade route in the 13th century and were used primarily for religious and royal celebrations, including the coronation of Anne Boleyn as Queen of England in 1533. Approximately 200 years later, the colonists brought gunpowder-based fireworks. in America.
Why are fireworks associated with the Fourth of July?
On July 3, 1776—before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, not to mention the actual independence of the colonies from Great Britain— John Adams gave written instructions on how future Independence Days should be celebrated:
Pomp and parade with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from now on and forever.
A year and one day later, the first official Fourth of July fireworks were held over the city of Philadelphia, followed by Boston in 1777, despite the fact that the Revolutionary War was still going on and American independence was not a foregone conclusion.
By 1783, fireworks were available to the general public, further cementing the Independence Day tradition. Today, there are about 14,000 fireworks fireworks all over the country every Fourth of July, much to the weeping of dogs everywhere .