Who Invented The Art We Call Fireworks?

By Author: Jorge Reis
Total Articles: 4762
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What large event or celebration goes without fireworks? Once they were used in specific ceremonies. Now they can be purchased for individuals to set off in their back yards. So who invented the fireworks we all love and enjoy?
* Ancient China 12th century - fireworks were used create loud sounds to frighten away evil spirits and as a way to pray for happiness and prosperity.
- Fireworks being used in ancient China was documented in 1264
- They were used at a celebration feast held by Emperor Lizong of Song
- Empress Dowager Gong Sheng (his mother) was frightened by the speed of the rocket propelled ground rat fireworks
* Gun power was used to make fireworks
- Gun power was discovered in the 9th century
- Taoist monks discovered gun powder when doing alchemical experiments
* Creating fireworks was a profession in ancient China
* Today people in the same profession are known as pyrotechnicians
* Fireworks are designed to create spectacular displays in the sky using:
- light
- Color flames and sparks
- Sound
- Smoke
- Floating ...
... materials (sometimes confetti)
* Fireworks may have started the use of military rockets
* Fireworks are frequently used in celebration - both culturally and religiously
* Firework displays and competitions are held world wide
* Fireworks are low explosive pyrotechnic devices for aesthetic and entertainment purposes
* China is still the biggest manufacturer of fireworks
* Fireworks can be classified as being:
- Ground Fireworks †they are set off on the ground making loud noise, lots of smoke and light. These often use color flames and sparks. They do not fly up into the air
- Aerial Fireworks †These are projected into the air providing visual light art combined with loud noise, smoke and sometimes floating materials. Aerial Fireworks are sent to the sky through different methods:
> Propulsion (skyrocket)
> mortar (aerial shell)
* Aerial fireworks can also be launched using compressed air instead of gun powder
- Disneyland started using compressed air to launch their fireworks in 2004
- The fireworks have an electronic timer that sets the explosion off in the sky
- It reduces fumes
- Increases accuracy by providing better control in height and timing of fireworks
About Author:
Jorge Reis is the author of History of fireworks and Who invented fireworks.