Who Were the First Europeans to Master Fireworks?
Fireworks are a prevalent part of Western civilization. These small explosive devices, are broken into four distinct categories: noise, light, smoke, and exploding materials (such as confetti). When lit, they illuminate the sky with various colors. In the United States, fireworks are used to represent freedom and independence every July 4th. France uses fireworks to celebrate Bastille Day and celebrate storming the prison of Bastille. In England, every Guy Fawkes Day, fireworks are used to help people remember his rebellion and what it meant for the country. Yet, the majority of people know very little about the origin of fireworks.
There are two different accounts as to who exactly brought the gunpowder that creates fireworks from China, where it was invented, to Europe. One account dates back to the 13th century and cites Marco Polo as the man responsible for introducing the West to Chinese gunpowder used to make fireworks.
Another account identifies the Crusaders as introducing the gunpowder to Europe. Yet another account, suggests that Marco Polo brought the gunpowder to the Middle East and it was there that the Crusaders discovered it and brought it back to Europe.
Regardless of who brought the gun powder back to the West, the Italians are considered to be the first country that mastered it. While other European countries used the gunpowder for military weapons and military reasons, Italy was the first country that took the black gunpowder and turned it into firecrackers. Soon, individuals known as “fire masters” competed against each other to produce the most awe-inspiring and outstanding displays.
Advances in Firework Technology
Since the Italians were the first Europeans to master fireworks, it makes sense that they were also responsible for introducing a number of advances to the technology. For example, the Italians created “shells” for the firecracker mixture. This allowed the explosives to be loaded into canons and shot into the air. At outstanding heights, the firecrackers then exploded. Thus, the Italian “shells” helped lead to how fireworks are used to this day.
The Italians also experimented with the gunpowder mixture in the firecrackers to create different effects. For example, they tried a mixture which burned slower. This then resulted in a “shower” of sparks when the firecracker was lit, rather than an explosion of everything at once. If this sounds familiar, it’s because this slow burning mixture helped lead to what are known as “sparklers” today.
Fireworks in Germany and England
Although Italy was the first country to truly master and experiment with fireworks in Europe, the other countries soon followed suit.
Germany was the next European power to experiment with the explosives, followed soon by England.
England in particular incorporated fireworks into its culture, and celebrated King Henry VII’s wedding with a fireworks display. Queen Elizabeth was so fascinated with them that she created an honorary title, “Fire Master of England,” for the individual who created the best fireworks.
Thus, even though the Italians were the first Europeans to master the craft of fireworks, the rest of the Europeans and Western civilization soon followed suit. For hundreds of years, fireworks have remained an integral part of our celebrations, holidays, and our culture.
China's Invention of Fireworks
Fireworks began in China over 2000 years ago. They were invented from Chinese gunpowder, although the exact creator of fireworks is unknown. One legend states that a Chinese cook mixing the ingredients that compose fireworks accidentally burned the mixture, and then enclosed it in a bamboo shoot. This mixture exploded—and fireworks were born. Other myths point to a Chinese monk living in the Hunan Province as being the creator of fireworks.
Regardless of their precise origin, it is certain that China brought them into the world. The Chinese culture used these firecrackers as a way to ward off spirits, and to celebrate such occasions as Chinese New Year. Firecrackers have remained a large part of the Chinese culture to this day, and the country is the largest exporter and manufacturer of fireworks in the world.