1. It is believed the first fireworks were created in China as early as 200 BC. The first was a natural one where they would roast bamboo which would explode with a bang. It was believed to scare off evil spirits.
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| Fourth of July Card |
2. Between 600-900 AD Chinese alchemists combined saltpeter, charcoal, sulfur and other ingredients and stuffed it into the bamboo and threw it on the fire. Legend says it was a cook who first tried this mix. It would explode with a larger bang since the mixture is an early form of gunpowder. Soon paper tubes replaced the bamboo tubes.
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| Fireworks Votive Candle Holders |
3. Fireworks were used to ward off evil spirits, celebrate special events and military victories, and in military fights. By the 10th century they were attaching fireworks to arrows to create a type of bomb. Two hundred years later they learned how to fire the explosives into the air. The first aerial displays happened.
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| Firework Crowns Made with Duct Tape, Straws and Pipe Cleaners |
4. In medieval England the fireworks experts were called firemasters and their assistants were called green men. The green men wore leaves on their heads to protect them from sparks.
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| Toilet Paper Roll Rockets |
5. During the Renaissance there were schools to train firework experts. Italy became known for its elaborate and colorful displays. In the 1830s the Italians added traces of metals and other additives that created bright multihued sparks and sunbursts seen in contemporary fireworks.
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| Fireworks Painting |
6. In England the earliest recorded firework display took place on Henry VII’s wedding day in 1486. In Russia, Czar Peter the Great put on a five-hour display to celebrate the birth of his son.
7. The first fireworks display for Independence Day in the United States was on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia. There were also fireworks in Boston. They were lit by Col. Thomas Crafts over the common.
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| Salad Spinner Fireworks Painting Garland |
8. They also were used to mark George Washington’s inauguration and on New Year’s Eve.
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| Handprint Fireworks |
9. John Adams wrote to Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776 suggesting the occasion should be celebrated in the future “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” This is why we have fireworks for Independence Day!
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| Pipe Cleaner Sparkler |
10. Most states regulate firework use today, but even with these laws in 2009 9000 people were injured by fireworks in the US.
I didn't realize how many firework crafts we have made over the years. I hope you will check them out. Also to go with these interesting facts, I asked fellow Kid Blogger Network bloggers for their firework crafts to share with you. I hope you enjoy making some of these fun ones!
Firework Craft Round-Up
1) From School Time Snippets: Salt & Glue Fireworks
2) From Homebound but Hopeful: Firework Process Painting
3) From The Best Ideas for Kids: Salt Painted Fireworks
4) From Thimble & Twig: Firework Washi Tape Crafts
5) From Celebrating with the Bug: Sparkle and Pop Fireworks 3D Art
6) From Fun Learning for Kids: Dish Brush Painted Fireworks
7) From Capri +3: Recycled Shredded Paper Fireworks Art
8) From JDaniel4's Mom: Fireworks Straw Rocket
9) From See Vanessa Craft: Kid Friendly Fourth of July Sparklers
10) From Stylish Cravings: DIY Fourth of July Sparklers
12) From Orgainzed 31: Firework Treats for Everyone
13) From Red Ted Art: Edible Sparklers
14) From JDaniel4's Mom: Pipe Cleaner Fireworks in a Jar Magenet Game
Sources:
- Cohen, Jennie. Fireworks’ Vibrant History. 2011. https://www.history.com/news/fireworks-vibrant-history.
- National Geographic. Fireworks! Fun Facts and Lots of Photos for the Fourth. 24 June 2018. https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/2018/06/24/fun_and_fireworks_on_the_fourth/
- Wickman, Forrest. The Rockets’ Red, White and Blue Glare: How did fireworks become America’s Fourth of July pastime? 3 July 2012. http://www.slate.com/articles/life/explainer/2012/07/history_of_fireworks_in_america_why_do_we_celebrate_fourth_of_july_with_fireworks_.html
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