Fireworks
In the darkness of night, fireworks burst into the sky, a bright display of color and light,
Have you seen fireworks before? Did the noise of the fireworks scare you? How many colors did you see and which ones were your favorites?
Have you seen fireworks before? Did the noise of the fireworks scare you? How many colors did you see and which ones were your favorites?
Who doesn’t love a pyrotechnic celebration like the 4th of July? And we have the noisy little firecracker to thank for it. Introduced over 2,000 years ago, the explosive sound of the firecracker was said to frighten away evil spirits. The noisemakers took on an important role in most festivities, chasing away any lingering bad energy and ensuring happiness for the future.
As fireworks evolved, the design and display became more elaborate. The visual effects of fireworks became an art form as colors were added and methods of propelling the miniature rockets skyward improved. The Italians were fascinated by fireworks and made significant changes to the carrier device that launched them higher into the sky than ever before. They devised intricate designs with timed bursts of colored sparks whose points of light, called stars, trickled down from the sky in a rain of glitter. Italian firework makers also created other special effects like sparkling eruptions in the shape of fountains for the massive ground displays that were very popular in the late 1800's.
Early handlers of fireworks covered themselves in mud and fresh leaves to protect their skin from the sparks, acquiring the nickname Green Men. Modern pyrotechnics use more elaborate protective gear, but are still called Green Men. Fireworks are extremely dangerous and require special training for their development, storage and use. Several professional and amateur groups teach members the art of fireworks display as well as fireworks safety.
Even so, a firecracker is still the best method to scare away an evil spirit.
As fireworks evolved, the design and display became more elaborate. The visual effects of fireworks became an art form as colors were added and methods of propelling the miniature rockets skyward improved. The Italians were fascinated by fireworks and made significant changes to the carrier device that launched them higher into the sky than ever before. They devised intricate designs with timed bursts of colored sparks whose points of light, called stars, trickled down from the sky in a rain of glitter. Italian firework makers also created other special effects like sparkling eruptions in the shape of fountains for the massive ground displays that were very popular in the late 1800's.
Early handlers of fireworks covered themselves in mud and fresh leaves to protect their skin from the sparks, acquiring the nickname Green Men. Modern pyrotechnics use more elaborate protective gear, but are still called Green Men. Fireworks are extremely dangerous and require special training for their development, storage and use. Several professional and amateur groups teach members the art of fireworks display as well as fireworks safety.
Even so, a firecracker is still the best method to scare away an evil spirit.