Ancient Beginnings: Fireworks in China
History of fireworks dates back over 2,000 years to Liuyang, China, where bamboo stalks exploded in fires, warding off evil spirits. These loud booms were believed to fend off evil spirits.
Between 600 and 900 AD, a Chinese alchemist created the first gunpowder by mixing sulfur, potassium nitrate, and charcoal. Originally, people packed man-made pyrotechnics into bamboo or paper tubes to create loud, bright explosions.
Traveling to Europe with Fireworks
Fireworks had made their way to Europe by the 13th century. Italian producers were creating vibrant displays for royal feasts and religious festivals by the fifteenth century. Fireworks were a popular way for European kings to entertain their followers and commemorate important events.
Lights in the New World
Fireworks were introduced to the American colonies by early immigrants, and the custom took root there. As John Adams had imagined, fireworks were a feature of the inaugural Independence Day celebration in 1777, complete with “pomp, parade… bonfires and illuminations.”
In the late 18th century, politicians cemented fireworks’ place in American civic life by using them to attract large crowds to their speeches.
Us Fireworks and the Fourth of July
People now use fireworks year-round at festivals, sporting events like the Super Bowl and Olympics, and special occasions, but they still celebrate most on July 4th. Under bright sky, Americans commemorate independence, tradition, and happiness throughout this time.
Fireworks light up the country “from one end of this continent to the other,” just as Adams had imagined.
Fireworks as Economic Engines
They aren’t just fun—they’re also big business. For example, Thunder Over Louisville, one of America’s largest firework shows, generates over $56 million for the local economy, according to the Derby Festival economic study.
Maintaining an American Custom
Fireworks continue to be a timeless, uniting element in American culture, from the ancient bamboo blasts in China to the thunderous Fourth of July sky. The American Pyrotechnics Association still promotes and protects fireworks use, keeping the tradition alive.
Source: Americanpyro