How are Fireworks Made?

Posted by SheSue on July 4, 2009 under Awesome Events

The 4th of July is here. In the United States we celebrate our nations independence. It is a day when we gather for family BBQ’s and camping trips. And then as dusk falls, we watch huge displays of pyrotechnics. Sometimes patriotic music plays in the background. We oooh and ahhhh. Where do these fireworks come from you ask.

Fireworks are said to have originated in China around 2,000 years ago on accident when a cook mixed charcoal, sulfur and saltpeter in a bamboo tube. Yeah, it exploded. China is also the birth place for firecrackers. They were invented to scare off evil spirits. They are still used today at births, deaths and birthdays.

Black powder was brought to Europe in the 13th century. At the time it was used for military purposes. It was the Italians who first used black powder to make fireworks. Today many of the American companies responsible for big fireworks displays are owned by Italian families.

Fireworks consist of:
1. a container – usually stiff paper and string formed into a cylinder
2. stars – small cubes or spheres filled with sparkler like material that give the color and sparkle
3. charge – firecracker like charge. The main charge is in the center of the container. The stars and black powder are around the charge
4. fuse – provides a time delay

For more information on fireworks, check out Pyro Universe. If you don’t get out tomorrow night, here is a display for your viewing pleasure.