FIREWORKS : HISTORY OF FIREWORKS
Legend has it that fireworks were discovered or invented by accident by a Chinese cook working in a field kitchen who happened to mix charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter (all commonly found in the kitchen in those days), originating some 2,000 years ago. The mixture burned and when compressed in a bamboo tube, the mixture exploded and so started the fascination of continual history as we now know.
Other sources place the discovery sometime during the 9th century during the Song dynasty (960-1279), disputing the belief of the discovery of fireworks occurred about 2,000 years ago. This could be confusion between the discovery of gunpowder by the cook and the invention of the firecracker.
A Chinese monk named Li Tian, who lived near the city of Liu Yang in Hunan Province, is credited with the invention of firecrackers about 1,000 years ago. The Chinese people celebrate the invention of the firecracker every April 18 by offering sacrifices to Li Tian. During the Song Dynasty, the local people established a temple to worship Li Tian.
The firecrackers, both then and now, are believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and ghosts that are frightened by the loud bangs of the firecrackers. Firecrackers are used for such purposes today at most events such as births, deaths and birthdays. Chinese New Year is a particularly popular event that is celebrated with firecrackers to usher in the New Year free of the evil spirits.
Have a Safe Fourth of July from Nexus Events and Deborah Ann Productions
