Fireworks are Coming!

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The 4th of July in the United States celebrates our independence (Independence Day) from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 4, 1776, and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Fireworks displays are held all over the country. The origin and invention of fireworks were in China in the 7th Century. China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world. Today firework festivals are held in China during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Fireworks festivals are common throughout the world, held for cultural and religious ceremonies. The largest display ever held was for the 50th Anniversary of Kuwait’s Constitution on November 10, 2012. 77,282 firework projectiles were launched. The primary effects of fireworks are noise (bang also known as a report, crackle, hummer and whistle), light, smoke and floating materials. Typical colors are red, yellow, orange, purple, silver, green and blue. Samples of some of the chemicals used in fireworks are: Al - Aluminum - produces silver and white flames and sparks. Also used in sparklers. Cu - Copper - Blue-green. Halides of copper will produce a blue color. Li - Lithium - (Lithium carbonate) will produce red. Sb - Antimony - Produces glitter effects. The two categories of fireworks are ground and aerial. The aerial firework is propelled into the air by a mortar (aerial) shell or with its own propulsion (skyrocket). The first skyrockets were used in war, have been used for the delivery of mail and are the propulsion for most model rockets today. There are clubs and competitions totally dedicated to fireworks. The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Nova Scotia and Vancouver hold fireworks displays for Halloween. In 2013 Disney's Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park started displays for "Happy Hallowishes". Some common consumer fireworks are bottle rockets, sparklers, Roman candles, black snakes, smoke and ground spinners. BE SAFE if you participate in any home displays. If you will be attending a display this year, I hope it's a great experience for you. For my United States friends, I hope you have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July! Photo Credit: Pixabay