Enjoying fireworks is a tradition that dates back millennia. They are common for special occasions that call for celebration, such as New Year’s Eve and Independence Day. But you may also find fireworks shows at things like weddings and concerts. This page will cover the origins of pyrotechnics, their mechanisms, the various fireworks available, and the necessary safety measures to take when working with them.
Explosive Past: A Brief Overview
The use of fireworks has a rich history that can be traced all the way back to ancient China. Legend has it that fireworks were first created some 2,000 years ago by a Chinese cook who stumbled upon their creation while experimenting with saltpetre, sulphur, and charcoal. A thunderous explosion and a flash of light resulted upon lighting this compound. Fireworks as we know them now are a refined version of this invention.
Marco Polo brought fireworks back to Europe from China in the 13th century. Fireworks displays at public festivals and gatherings in Europe quickly became a popular cultural phenomenon. Fireworks were widely used in celebrations like Independence Day by the time they arrived in North America in the 18th century.
Explosive Mechanisms
Fireworks are little explosives with the sole purpose of impressing onlookers. When fireworks are set off, the explosive ingredients inside the tube or cylinder burst open, releasing a massive amount of gas and heat. The rapid expansion of this gas causes the tube to rupture, sending a shower of flaming fragments and sparks into the atmosphere.
Fireworks of Various Types
Fireworks come in a wide variety, each with its own special effects. Popular fireworks include the following:
Large, spherical pyrotechnics called “aerial shells” are launched into the air and explode, showering the sky with colourful sparks. They can be made in a wide range of sizes and configured to generate a wide range of patterns and forms.
Roman Candles are a type of firework consisting of a long, cylindrical tube that, when lit, releases a cascade of blazing balls of light into the air.
Firecrackers are little, handheld explosives that go off with a deafening bang. They are frequently set off simultaneously after being connected together on a lengthy fuse.
Sparklers are a type of handheld pyrotechnics that, when lighted, provide a shower of sparks. Typically, they are fabricated from a flammable substance coated metal wire.
Cautionary Measures
Fireworks pose a risk if they are not handled properly, as do any explosives. Please remember the following safety measures:
Fireworks should never be used inside.
The instructions on the package should always be followed.
When working with fireworks, always use safety glasses.
Always have a pail of water handy in case of fires.
If a firework fails to explode the first time, do not try to relight it.
Keep fireworks away from kids. If not used correctly, even sparklers can cause injury.
Conclusion
Celebrations with fireworks can be thrilling, but only if done so safely and ethically. If you want to avoid getting hurt while either viewing fireworks or lighting off your own, you need take the necessary measures. Feel free to take in the spectacle, but do it in a responsible manner.
