Fireworks!
It’s nearly the end of 2021, and that inevitably means fireworks are going to boom and sparkle to ring in the new year. Fireworks have become a hallmark of such celebrations, and when we took a deep dive into the history and science of fireworks, we were surprised…
Here’s what we learned:
Fireworks were first created thousands of years ago, around 200 B.C., in China, where people threw bamboo sticks into the fire to watch them snap and pop. The bamboo rods would explode due to the pockets of air popping when heated. Now, the bamboo may have combusted, but there were no colours or sparkles as there are now.
Over the years, alchemists in China accidentally discovered the formula for what would later become gun powder (charcoal mixed with potassium nitrate and sulphur) and what causes fireworks to be loud and explosive on a new level. Though, at this time (approx. 600-900 A.D) colourful and projectile fireworks have yet to be introduced, meaning fireworks had evolved from being bamboo rods in a fire to this mixture put into the bamboo rod to toss in the fire to watch it implode.
spite seeming lacklustre compared to today’s standards of fireworks, these were viewed as valuable to the extent that they were used in spiritual ceremonies in China.
Let’s fast forward to the year 1,200, where China has elevated their firework formula to create rocket cannons. This was the turning point for fireworks, as they went from being watched in the fire to being launched in the air. It was such a success that other countries started to adopt the practice. Europeans in particular did so as rocket cannons proved to be assets in warfare, and fireworks were a bonus. It was the dawn of fireworks being the life of the party.
How did fireworks get their colour then? We’re so glad you asked.
The initial recipe of explosive powder has been virtually unchanged since its conception in China. You take this powder and encase it in a vessel of thick cardboard or paper, then to add colour to your fireworks, you will have to add an element. You choose the element based on what colour you want as different elements are released at different wavelengths of light, which produces different colours. For instance, if you want red, you’d add strontium, for green you’d add barium and for blue you'd add copper. Interestingly, blue was the hardest colour for firework chemists to produce as deep blues are too dark for spectators to see, and a light blue would appear white.
What about the sparkles and flashes?
Throw in a dash of aluminum, magnesium or titanium to add a flash of white sparkles. If you want gold sparkles, mix in some iron.
Do fireworks impact the environment?
Yes. Fireworks do have an impact on our natural environment, be it the loud booms scaring animals to the remains of metallic compounds being left behind from the explosion that is toxic to animals and humans. Even the smoke that the explosion generates can negatively impact air quality. Thankfully, efforts are being made to utilize eco-friendly fireworks. For instance, some fireworks are quieter in which after the initial pop, there is no boom. These kinds of fireworks were used in Banff to limit impacts on nesting birds and mating elk in the area.
There is still a major push by environmentalists to incorporate biodegradable fireworks, however, it can be challenging to change what has been a tradition for countless celebrations around the world.
Do your own eco-friendly fireworks:
Here is a little list of firework-related activities to enjoy the fun of fireworks without the boom.
-15 Sparkling Firework Crafts for Kids
-10 Ways to Make Fireworks with Kids
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