Guy Fawkes’ night is the evening that the UK’s skies are typically filled with light. But there are plenty of other celebrations throughout the world that use amazing fireworks as their centerpiece.
We’re not certain what inspired fireworks however most experts believe that the elusive inventor is from China over two thousand years ago. When the Chinese began using green bamboo in religious ceremonies, people threw pieces of it over an open fire. What they didn’t know was that, when the bamboo began to burn then it burst into the sound of a loud explosion. The sound would make the spirits of evil fearful, and thus they used them at many happy occasions to deter evil. This is how the concept for the modern firework was conceived. A few years later, with gunpowder’s brighter and more powerful light and sounds, it soon replaced the old method of bamboo.
The use of fireworks has now evolved to become a popular way to mark special occasions in modern times including religious festivals such as weddings, military victories and religious festivals. Here are a few more celebrations that you might or might not know about to give a taster of how fireworks are being used all over the world…
Declaring independence
On the 4th July each year, the citizens of the USA celebrate their independence away from British Empire in 1776. Fireworks illuminate the skies across the country, from New York to Las Vegas and even at Niagara Falls. After the fireworks the usual day ended with barbecues for families and friends.
Stories to tell
During the month of August, Japan celebrates its historic tradition through an art form of firework display and pyrotechnics. The fireworks are sold in large quantities, many revelers dress in traditional costumes from days that have gone by and go to shows in their nearest city. The Japanese have done this since the 18th century and the competition has gotten more fierce in recent years to put on the most impressive displays. possibly the best one can be seen within Tokyo in the vicinity of the Sumida River.
Brings communities closer
The “Festival of Lights,” also known as Diwali in India and other Indian communities throughout the world takes place from October to November each year to create a dramatic effects. The idea is that patterns are created in the sky that encompass the spectrum of colours and fireworks. Ceramic pots with candles inside are placed outside every home for the duration of the festival to protect against evil spirits. Bonfires also are lit across the country for the exact reason.
Nation Building
Singapore has been hosting fireworks since in 2004 as a method of commemorating its history and showcasing its values as a nation. The event is held at Marina Bay, thousands of people attend every year just to enjoy the show from their hotel rooms!
Celebrating Christmas
An important part of ‘seeing in’ Christmas throughout South American countries includes playing with small firecrackers along the streets that are known as “little volcanoes” or sparklers known as ‘little stars’. The lights of the fountain are built in villages that are made from large numbers of these ‘little stars’. Roman candlelight is lit in these countries over turkey sandwiches and pineapple juice in the evening.
Religious Ceremony
This Muslim celebration during Eid Al Adha, signifying the end of Ramadan usually involves many fireworks events across the globe. The most spectacular of these is often seen in Dubai which saw nine displays created simultaneously this year, a feat that was never imagined before.
Welcoming New Year
Hong Kong, China and Chinatowns around the globe, celebrate Chinese New Year with tremendous display of yellow and red fireworks and colorful dragons weaving through the bustling streets. Typically , they occur on the first weekend in February, this usually coincides with the beautiful annual Lantern Festivals. Thousands are let loose to the skies.
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