By: William Lin

Fireworks are the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Independence Day, New Years, or other holidays. The discovery of fireworks can be traced back to around 2,000 years ago in China. As fireworks, ancient China used roasted bamboo stalks. The air inside the hollow stalks would cause them to explode, mimicking the effects of the “boom” we associate with fireworks nowadays. However, people’s interest in fireworks did not stop there. Years later, the Chinese people filled bamboo with gunpowder and threw them in fire pits. Steel dust was used to make them sparkle. It was between 600 and 900 A.D. when these bamboo fireworks became one of the items they used for celebrations.

Fireworks eventually spread to Europe in the 13th century. It is claimed that Marco Polo was the one who brought fireworks from Asia to Europe in 1295. As July 4th became known as The United States’ Independence Day, fireworks were used during its celebration. The first Independence Day celebration took place during the Revolutionary War. During this celebration, there were cannons filled with fireworks that were prepared for the occasion.

Nowadays, fireworks are used in all countries around the world and represent a symbol of people’s happiness. Whether they are used as a type of entertainment or on a special occasion people wait for each year, fireworks are important to people.

Source: https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1689517201291x658104289571446000/TIME%20for%20Kids%20_%20The%20History%20of%20Fireworks.pdf