Where and When Did Fireworks Originate?

We’ve all stood outside in anticipation and turned our attention to the night sky. The anticipation of something fun quickly turns into cheerful bursts of “Oh” and “Ah”, as the colourful fireworks fill the sky and bring a smile to your face.

Red and green fireworks

 
Fireworks have become the stable of many of our most loved celebrations. They are the essential building blocks of a good Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve party and most couples now include firework displays to their wedding celebrations.
But where and when did fireworks originate?

All Roads Lead to China

Fireworks are a Chinese invention and the first ‘firecrackers’ date back all the way to the time of the Han Dynasty, around 200 B.C. While these ‘firecrackers’ were simply dried bamboo chunks thrown into the fire to sizzle and eventually explode.
Later on, around the time of the development of gunpowder in China, the firework industry got kick-started. The earliest documentation of fireworks goes all the way back to the 7th century and the Tang Dynasty.
The crackling noises of the first fireworks were thought to protect people from evil spirits and therefore, fireworks are associated with luck and happiness in China to this day. For these reasons, fireworks also become a central part of public events and celebrations.
China remains, to this day, the largest manufacturer of fireworks. If you are interested in learning more about how fireworks are manufactured in the country, you should read our previous blog post on the subject!

Development of Fireworks Around the World

While fireworks originate in China, the development of fireworks into products we all love today took place across the world. Discoveries in the use of gunpowder, the shell casing, as well as the colours and designs of fireworks took place both in China and Europe.
Europeans fell in love with fireworks after the introduction of gunpowder. Just like in China, fireworks soon became a stable part of public gatherings and popularity of fireworks helped develop the industry further.
Interestingly, the colour of fireworks remained the same for over 1,000 years. It was not until the 1830s that scientist in Southern Italy were able to use chemistry to create the various reds, greens, blues, and yellows we see in fireworks today.
As the popularity of fireworks began to grow, the industry developed specialist profession in manufacturing and organising displays. Around the world, these fireworks specialist still compete over the biggest explosions and the best displays to wow audiences.

A Stable Entertainment

As mentioned above, fireworks have been a big celebratory entertainment right from the get-go. Fireworks are used in some of China’s biggest festival and the rest of the world isn’t any different. From sporting events to private celebrations, fireworks are a big part of how we celebrate things.
If you want to add a bit more fun to your next party, then check out our website for some fireworks magic. You can find fireworks to suit all occasions – whether you are looking to organise a small garden party or throw a big display at your wedding!

Share to Social Media

Subscribe for the latest news and blog updates

You might also be interested in

Our lineup for new firework selection boxes 2024 is nothing short of spectacular. We’ve curated the finest assortment of rockets,...

Brightstar has once again raised the bar with their new fireworks collection. Established in 1992, Bright Star Fireworks continues to...

At Firework Crazy, we’re dedicated to curating exhilarating fireworks that surpass the competition while adhering to legal regulations. The new...

Scroll to Top

Delivery Information

Next Day

 – You will receive your order the following working day from day of despatch (not including Saturday/Sunday). We endeavour to dispatch all orders placed before 12pm the same day although this is not always possible in our busy season, October – December. If you require your order by a certain date enter this in the “order notes” section on the next page. All dates are treated as the latest date for delivery NOT the date you would like delivery.


Hold For Later Delivery

– This option is for those who would like us to hold on to their order and deliver it nearer to the date of their display. You should enter this date in the “order notes” section on the next page.


Collect from Chelmsford Store

– Select this option if you would like to collect your order. Enter the date you would like to collect and AM/PM in the “order notes” section on the next page. Collection is not available on SATURDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2019. You will be required to bring the card you used to pay with and photo ID before you can collect your order. THESE MUST MATCH.


Add to Existing Order

 – If you already have an order with us and would like to add to it before it is shipped, select this option then enter your existing order number in the “order notes” section on the next page.


Saturday Delivery

 – Enter the date you would like your order delivered in the “order notes” section on the next page. If this is blank your order will be delivered on the next Saturday after the day of ordering. PLEASE NOTE it is not possible to deliver orders on the Saturday either side of Bonfire Night, Christmas or New Year


AM DELIVERY

 – Your order will be delivered before midday the day after it has been dispatched (excluding Saturday / Sunday)


Before 10:30 am

 – Your order will be delivered before 10:30am the day after it has been dispatched (excluding Saturday / Sunday).