OK MAKE IT THROUGH TODAY AND YOU’RE A GO FOR THE WEEKEND.
Nothing says celebrations for the 4th like fireworks. While they are used for many occasions now, more than ever before, they have long been a tradition for the July day of independence. But if you think they are a relatively new phenom you’re very wrong.
Fire works started with a little bang in the 7th century AD when it is believed that the firecracker (another staple for the 4th) was invented in China. In fact so the legend goes a cook spilled saltpeter (a.k.a. potassium nitrate) in a fire and boom no more stove. Actually “Gunpowder was supposed to be a potion for unlimited life…Ancient Chinese alchemists were trying to find a potion for immortality and they ended up making gunpowder. When the Chinese found out that it exploded they used it for fire works.” http://fourriverscharter.org/projects/Inventions/pages/china_gunpowder.htm
By the 13th century it had finally made it to Europe. “One theory of how gunpowder came to Europe is that it made its way along the Silk Road through the Middle East; another is that it was brought to Europe during the Mongol invasion in the first half of the 13th century,or during the subsequent diplomatic and military contacts.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_gunpowder
“The first recorded fireworks in England were at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486.” http://www.thefireworksfirm.co.uk/25-interesting-facts-about-fireworks.php
“In 1777, Philadelphians remembered the 4th of July. Bells were rung, guns fired, candles lighted, and firecrackers set off. However, while the War of Independence dragged on, July 4 celebrations were modest at best.” http://www.factmonster.com/spot/independenceday1.html
“Boston also saw a fireworks display in 1777. In the following years, the tradition spread through the Boston area to New York and other cities, with various papers reporting colorful displays lighting the sky at the time.” http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/07/03/why-we-watch-fireworks-on-the-fourth-of-july
Thank to USA Weekend June 27-29, 2014 for the idea on Fireworks
WHAT GOOGLE’S SHOOTING OFF:
1989 Tanqueray Gin Fourth Of July Fireworks Ad $8
80’s Prism Stickers Statue Liberty Fireworks 4th Of July …$8
Sports Illustrated 1960 July 4 Fireworks At Comiskey Park Chicago …$25
Blue and White fireworks pattern porcelain $35
Fireworks Wood Storage Box (c.1941) – …$118
Fireworks 4th July Sailboats Original Folk …$130
*“Ooh, ahh!” Fireworks are believed to have developed out of military rockets. In the European Middle Ages, the military pressed fireworks experts into service to conduct celebrations of victory and peace.” http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2011/07/happy-independence-day-america-fun-fourth-july-facts/
You may be a redneck if… your lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand.
Jeff Foxworthy
BOOM!!!!!!