From China to America: Fireworks' Humble Beginnings

Today’s fireworks have come along way from their humble oriental beginnings. Originating from  chunks of bamboo thrown onto a fire in the Han Dynasty of 200 B.C., they have evolved into meticulously crafted explosions used for entertainment around the world.

Ancient China was the first civilization known to have utilized fireworks. They discovered that the air and sap trapped inside bamboo slowly blackened and eventually popped with an unexpected bang! This deafening sound was enough to frighten people, who in turn though it would frighten and ward off evil spirits.

This practice was quickly absorbed into Lunar New Year celebrations as a way to scare sinister spirits away so that a prosperous year would ensue. Fireworks also began to appear in a variety of special occasions, such as births and other celebrations.

The discovery of gun powder as an element of fireworks is estimated to have been during China’s Sui and Tang Dynasties (~600-900 A.D.). During this time, many alchemists were experimenting with chemicals, making notes of which should never be mixed.

Although the specific mixture that creates gun powder had been known to burn faces and hands off, it did not stop the curious from experimenting. Once refined, gun powder was called huo yao, or the "fire chemical". The Chinese quickly grasped the idea that this fire chemical could be used to terrorize potential enemies. Bombs and “fire-arrows” were created for warfare in the hopes that they would shock the enemy into a teeth-chattering frenzy and give the Chinese a huge advantage.

Marco Polo brought the gunpowder back to Italy in 1292. It was not however, until the Renaissance (1400-1500) that the Europeans developed fireworks into an art form. First, they were used by royalty as an expression of wealth at their weddings, festivals, and other occasions. Over time, pyrotechnicians or “fire masters” began to develop their own displays of fireworks. Around the 1700s in England, fireworks became more of a public display rather than exclusively for royalty.

American settlers brought fireworks with them to the new world. However, it wasn’t until one year after signing the Declaration of Independence, that fireworks were used for celebratory purposes. By this time, spirals and other shapes were popular firework forms and the sight of the explosion lighting up the sky appeared to be truly magical. It became an American tradition as it instilled a sense of pride and hope for a nation and a people that had just begun their journey.

As July 4^th approaches, many Americans will express their patriotism by lighting fireworks. Although in some places they are illegal, in Sonoma County for a limited time, my Rotary friends tell me fireworks can be purchased through the Rotary Club of Rohnert Park - Cotati fireworks booth on Redwood Drive in the front parking lot of Home Depot. There will be many other booths around Rohnert Park whose sales will also be benefit select community projects, as well. I hear there are an assortment of new fireworks available now and with names such as American Spirit Sizzler and Star Voyager I imagine they’ll be both colorful and fun.

It’s amazing how this ancient Chinese practice has been adopted by many different cultures and that it has become a staple in the celebration of the United States of America.

 Have a happy and safe Fourth of July and please use these fireworks tips:

• Children should not handle, play with, or light fireworks
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while lighting fireworks
• Never put your head or any part of your body over a firework
• Make sure you keep a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher close by at all times
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place- not in your pocket
• Keep pets and farm animals away from fireworks
• Fireworks should be bought only from a reliable and licensed dealer