Kathmandu. Firecrackers are burst on many special occasions. In Nepal, different types of firecrackers are burst during the Tihar festival. In many countries around the world, people enjoy bursting firecrackers on various occasions.
In the United States, on July 4, there is a nationwide fireworks display on Independence Day. In Canada, fireworks are displayed on Canada Day on July 1, and in France after the Bastille Day parade on July 14.
In China and many Asian countries, special events are held during the Lunar New Year and millions of fireworks are set off. Christmas in Mexico is also celebrated with fireworks. However, the story of these colorful firecrackers does not end there. Their roots are in China. Where fireworks originated from the search for gunpowder.
Historian Dr. Tonio Andrade writes in his book ‘The Gunpowder Age’, “Gunpowder was invented in China and was soon used as a military weapon. ’
Later, through travel and trade, gunpowder reached Europe and other countries around the world, and was used for special occasions and festivals.
History and current of fireworks and fireworks{
Where did the firecracker originate?TAG_OPEN_strong_39
It is believed that in the second century BC, people in China used to throw pieces of bamboo into fires. When the air inside the bamboo was dispersed due to the heat, it would explode with a loud sound. People believed that this loud noise would drive away evil spirits.
Several hundred years later, Chinese chemists accidentally discovered gunpowder. When this gunpowder was filled into a bamboo or paper tube, it exploded and produced light for the first time. This marked the beginning of fireworks in the world.
Gradually, this art spread from China to Europe. Over time, new technology was added and the crackers became more colorful, more accessible, and louder. Now, firecrackers are not only a means of entertainment but have also become an integral part of festivals, weddings and celebrations. Apart from this, green crackers are developing. This ensures both environmental and health-friendly safety.
How TAG_OPEN_strong_38 are firecrackers made?
When we burst firecrackers, the sky displays different colors. Which creates a beautiful view. But do you know how these colors are created?
Firecrackers contain specific chemicals. When firecrackers burn, these chemicals heat up and emit light of different colors.
In the early days, firecrackers were colorless. When gunpowder was burned, they emit only orange light that illuminates the darkness.
In the 19th century, European scientists discovered that colored light could be produced when various metal-based compounds were added to firecrackers. For example, it is produced with red strontium, green barium, and white titanium, zirconium and magnesium. Blue is considered the most difficult color to obtain. The blue color is made of copper. However, if the temperature rises too much, the color disappears, and if it remains low, the color does not form at all. That’s why getting the ‘perfect blue’ is still a challenge for fireworks experts.
Who buys the most firecrackers?
The Walt Disney Company is considered to be the world’s largest buyer of firecrackers. Disney is reported to spend about 450 million annually on fireworks to maintain nightly fireworks displays at its theme parks around the world.
According to Guinness World Records, New Year’s Eve 2016 saw the largest fireworks display ever held at the Church of Christ in the Philippines. A total of 810,904 fireworks were lit in less than an hour. Interestingly, it rained incessantly throughout the performance, but instead of stopping, the fireworks became more spectacular.
