laquil
09-11-2012, 01:08 PM
Art of Fireworks
The Beginning, and Fireworks in Asia:
The Origin of fireworks is still a debatable subject. Some argue that fireworks originated in India but the most popular belief is that fireworks were accidentally discovered by a Chinese cook while mixing charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter which were commonly found in kitchens those days. This mixture burned more powerfully and when compressed in an enclosure such as a bamboo tube, it exploded. Some believe that the discovery of fireworks occurred about 2,000 years ago, while others state that fireworks where discovered during the 9th century, although this could easily be a confusion with the discovery of the firecracker. An interesting fact regarding fireworks in old Asia is that it was also used to scare away evil spirits.The Japanese Fireworks (Hanabi) are considered as some of the world’s best fireworks. Three typical Hanabi shells are the warimono, kowarimono, and pokamono. The warimono is what we call ‘ball shell’. The kowarimono is also a ball shell consisting of many smaller ball shells. The pokamono casts stars in one direction as sparks fly erratically.
Fireworks in America:
Fireworks have been with Americans since the very beginning of their nation, when the earliest settlers took their enthusiasm for fireworks to this land. The firing of black powder was used to celebrate holidays and would be usually associated with Independence Day. It was only natural that John Adams and his country men thought of fireworks on the declaration of independence.
The first celebrations of Independence Day were in 1777, six years before Americans knew whether the nation would even survive the war. Another event which was accompanied with fireworks, also listed in America’s history, took place in 1789 to celebrate
George Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States. Today, fireworks in the United States are still mostly associated with the celebrations of Independence Day.
Fireworks in Africa:
In the African continent, fireworks are not as popular, probably because of a firework ban in many African countries. Displays that take place in African countries are usually imported from other continents and are usually associated with large scale events such as sports tournaments or royal visits. South Africa is probably the most prominent African country in the hosting of such displays
Fireworks in Australia:
One of the continent’s annual fireworks displays, which is accompanied by music, takes place on Australia Day in the vicinity of the Swan River in Perth. The event is a major attraction to large numbers of people who gather by the river to make BBQ’s or play games while waiting for the show to begin.
Australia is, undoubtedly, most famous for its New Year fireworks display in Sydney.
Fireworks in Europe:
It is thought that fireworks were introduced to Europe by Marco Polo, in Italy. By the 1400s, Florence became very popular for the manufacturing of fireworks. During this time, fireworks were just one aspect of celebrations rather than the main focus. The construction of plaster figures that spewed fireworks from their eyes and mouths was an important feature of Italian religious festivals.
In the 1700s, displays became more elaborate and more popular with European royalty. Some examples of this are the 1533 coronation parade for Anne Boleyn that included a papier-mâché dragon which belched fire, the extravagant displays of fireworks at Versailles, ordered by French king Louis XV , and the five hour show hosted by the Russian czar Peter the Great, after the birth of his son.
Germany is accredited as being one of the 18th century pyrotechnics leaders alongside Italy.
In Spain, Valencia fireworks are a main attraction in the traditional Spanish feast of Las Fallas. This event is especially famous for its loud Mascletta.
Today, fireworks are a key part of celebrating Guy Fawkes' Day in the United Kingdom, Bastille Day in France, and New Year festivities around the world.
The first fireworks that were fired by the Maltese people were what they called Maskli. These consisted of metal blocks that had a small hole on its side and another hole of about ¾ of an inch in its center facing upwards. They were filled with gun powder and then filled with stone dust and fired from the side hole. Malta is renowned for its multi-break shells and other unique techniques, exclusively manufactured by the Maltese. Nowadays, Malta is quite popular for its aerial and land displays, both during day light and night time, whose vast majority take place throughout the summer months all over the islands; definitely a crucial part in the celebrations of the Maltese religious festa.
The Beginning, and Fireworks in Asia:
The Origin of fireworks is still a debatable subject. Some argue that fireworks originated in India but the most popular belief is that fireworks were accidentally discovered by a Chinese cook while mixing charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter which were commonly found in kitchens those days. This mixture burned more powerfully and when compressed in an enclosure such as a bamboo tube, it exploded. Some believe that the discovery of fireworks occurred about 2,000 years ago, while others state that fireworks where discovered during the 9th century, although this could easily be a confusion with the discovery of the firecracker. An interesting fact regarding fireworks in old Asia is that it was also used to scare away evil spirits.The Japanese Fireworks (Hanabi) are considered as some of the world’s best fireworks. Three typical Hanabi shells are the warimono, kowarimono, and pokamono. The warimono is what we call ‘ball shell’. The kowarimono is also a ball shell consisting of many smaller ball shells. The pokamono casts stars in one direction as sparks fly erratically.
Fireworks in America:
Fireworks have been with Americans since the very beginning of their nation, when the earliest settlers took their enthusiasm for fireworks to this land. The firing of black powder was used to celebrate holidays and would be usually associated with Independence Day. It was only natural that John Adams and his country men thought of fireworks on the declaration of independence.
The first celebrations of Independence Day were in 1777, six years before Americans knew whether the nation would even survive the war. Another event which was accompanied with fireworks, also listed in America’s history, took place in 1789 to celebrate
George Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States. Today, fireworks in the United States are still mostly associated with the celebrations of Independence Day.
Fireworks in Africa:
In the African continent, fireworks are not as popular, probably because of a firework ban in many African countries. Displays that take place in African countries are usually imported from other continents and are usually associated with large scale events such as sports tournaments or royal visits. South Africa is probably the most prominent African country in the hosting of such displays
Fireworks in Australia:
One of the continent’s annual fireworks displays, which is accompanied by music, takes place on Australia Day in the vicinity of the Swan River in Perth. The event is a major attraction to large numbers of people who gather by the river to make BBQ’s or play games while waiting for the show to begin.
Australia is, undoubtedly, most famous for its New Year fireworks display in Sydney.
Fireworks in Europe:
It is thought that fireworks were introduced to Europe by Marco Polo, in Italy. By the 1400s, Florence became very popular for the manufacturing of fireworks. During this time, fireworks were just one aspect of celebrations rather than the main focus. The construction of plaster figures that spewed fireworks from their eyes and mouths was an important feature of Italian religious festivals.
In the 1700s, displays became more elaborate and more popular with European royalty. Some examples of this are the 1533 coronation parade for Anne Boleyn that included a papier-mâché dragon which belched fire, the extravagant displays of fireworks at Versailles, ordered by French king Louis XV , and the five hour show hosted by the Russian czar Peter the Great, after the birth of his son.
Germany is accredited as being one of the 18th century pyrotechnics leaders alongside Italy.
In Spain, Valencia fireworks are a main attraction in the traditional Spanish feast of Las Fallas. This event is especially famous for its loud Mascletta.
Today, fireworks are a key part of celebrating Guy Fawkes' Day in the United Kingdom, Bastille Day in France, and New Year festivities around the world.
The first fireworks that were fired by the Maltese people were what they called Maskli. These consisted of metal blocks that had a small hole on its side and another hole of about ¾ of an inch in its center facing upwards. They were filled with gun powder and then filled with stone dust and fired from the side hole. Malta is renowned for its multi-break shells and other unique techniques, exclusively manufactured by the Maltese. Nowadays, Malta is quite popular for its aerial and land displays, both during day light and night time, whose vast majority take place throughout the summer months all over the islands; definitely a crucial part in the celebrations of the Maltese religious festa.