The early origins of fireworks show they were used for spiritual ceremonies.
It's hard to imagine there's a person in America who doesn't have at least a few childhood memories associated with fireworks.
Powerful and potentially very dangerous, fireworks are nothing to trifle with. Statistics show that thousands of Americans, many of whom are children, are injured each year by preventable accidents with fireworks. Keep reading for a peek into the 2,000-year journey of the greatest party novelty in the history of the world.
Andre Engels // Wikimedia Commons The Chinese used fireworks in spiritual ceremonies The Chinese originally used black powder fireworks not for entertainment, but for use in spiritual ceremonies. This was similar to their ancient predecessors, who used their air-filled bamboo fireworks to ward off evil spirits centuries before.
Justin Sullivan // Getty Images Americans use tons of fireworks—literally About 18.7 million pounds of display fireworks were used in 2020, according to the APA. That, however, is just a drop in the bucket compared to the 385.8 million pounds of consumer fireworks that were used during the same time period. In total, 404.5 million pounds of fireworks were set off in 2020 alone.
Pixabay Fireworks are a billion-dollar business According to the APA, "the U.S. fireworks industry has experienced unprecedented growth during the past decade and a half." In 2000, display and consumer fireworks revenue was $50.6 million and $102 million, respectively. By 2020, those numbers were $18.7 million and $385.8 million. The organization traces the boom back to 9/11 and advances in fireworks technology at the turn of the millennium.
AFP Contributor // Getty Images New York City hosts America's biggest fireworks display The Macy's 4th of July fireworks show is the biggest and most famous of its kind in the United States. In 2021, the pyrotechnics launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and a series of barges. The 25-minute show involved more than 65,000 shells, with variations including screaming dragons, silver twisters, howling wolves, and a 1,600-foot waterfall.
Pixabay Sparklers are not safe toys for children Sparklers are often viewed as benign and safe alternatives to fireworks that are okay for kids because they sparkle and glow, but don't explode. According to the National Safety Council, they burn incredibly hot—around 2,000 degrees—hot enough to melt metal. Many children suffer severe burns by dropping sparklers on their feet or after sparklers ignite their clothing with incredible speed.
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