How did fireworks become part of the Fourth of July celebration?
For as long as Americans can remember, the nation has celebrated the Fourth of July by staging firework shows, all across the USA from coast to coast! Why do we commemorate Independence Day by setting off thousands of these small eye captivating explosions?
John Adam is the reason. Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, he wanted fireworks to be a part of the celebration! In a letter to Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776, he wrote that this occasion should be celebrated “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews,
many Games, Sport, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations(fireworks) from one end of this Continent to the other, from this time forward, forever more.” The first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777.
The Pennsylvania Evening Post wrote that, “The evening was closed with the ring of bells, and at night there was a grand fireworks show (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” The paper stated that “Everything was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal.”
Fireworks have been around for quite sometime. In the 12th century, Peter the great and Louis the XIV were huge pyrotechnics fans. In ancient China, rat rockets made their palace hall debut when emperor Li Tsung brought them before his empress Kung Sheng, but when one scurried up to her, she brought the gathering to a halt.
Tradition isn't the only reason people love fireworks. Just like streamers and balloons, fireworks are adored for their bright colors and light. Some people love fireworks because of the big explosions, the loud bangs, sense of destruction, and the thrill of danger. Others enjoy the choreography and technical difficulty of a complete set up from start to Grand Finale! Overall, fireworks bring back many memories of our history, hot summers, and other festive occasions. Almost everyone in the world enjoys them, unless your a dog or just a hater.
