Guy Fawkes night is the evening when the skies in the UK are usually filled with lights. However there are a number of other celebrations throughout the world that use spectacular fireworks as their centrepiece.
We’re not certain what inspired fireworks however most experts agree that the unidentified inventor was from China around 22,000 years ago. When the Chinese began to use green bamboo for their religious ceremonies, they would throw pieces of it over an open fire. What they didn’t know was that when the bamboo burned then it burst into an ominous sound. Their belief was that it would make the spirits of evil fearful, and thus they used them at numerous happy events to keep evil at bay. This is how the concept for the modern firework was found. Later, thanks to gunpowder’s brighter and more powerful light and sounds, it was quickly replacing the bamboo method that was used for centuries.
Fireworks have now gone on to become a crowd-pleasing way to commemorate special events nowadays and include religious events, military victories and weddings. Here are few other occasions you might not have heard of, to give you a taster of how fireworks are being used all over the globe…
Declaring independence
Every year on July 4th, the 4th of July year, the citizens of the USA celebrate their freedom of the British Empire in 1776. Lights from fireworks illuminate the sky across the country, from New York to Las Vegas and even at Niagara Falls. After the fireworks it is concluded with barbecues among family members and friends.
Telling stories
During the month of August, Japan celebrates its historic heritage with traditional fireworks displays as well as fireworks. In mass amounts, many costumed festival-goers dress in traditional costumes from times in the past and take part in displays in their nearest city. The Japanese have done in this tradition since around 1850, and competition has grown more intense in recent years for putting on the best displays, arguably the best display is located within Tokyo along the Sumida River.
Connecting communities
The “Festival of Lights”, also known as Diwali within India as well as other Indian communities around the world is observed from October to November every year, with a stunning impact. The idea is that patterns are created in the sky that encompass various colours and explosions. Clay pots with candles in them are set outside every house during the festival to ward off evil spirits. Bonfires also are lit across the country for the same purpose.
Nation Building
Singapore began its fireworks display in 2004 as a method to commemorate its past and celebrating its national values. It is held at Marina Bay, thousands of guests attend each year just to enjoy the show from their hotel rooms!
Celebrating Christmas
A significant aspect of ‘taking part in’ Christmas in South American countries includes playing with small firecrackers on the streets that are known as “little volcanoes,” or sparkers called ‘little stars’. The lights of the fountain are created in local villages made of huge collections of “little stars”. Roman candles are lit throughout these countries , accompanied by the turkey and pineapple juice in the evening.
Religious Ceremony
The Muslim holiday that is Eid Al Adha, signifying the end of Ramadan is often accompanied by an array of fireworks across the globe. The best of which is often seen in Dubai where nine shows were created simultaneously this year, a feat which was not thought of before.
A Happy New Year to All!
Hong Kong, China and Chinatowns throughout the world celebrate Chinese New Year with tremendous celebrations of fireworks in red and yellow and colorful dragons weaving through the busy streets. Typically , they occur on the first weekend of February, it usually falls with the enchanting annual Lantern Festivals. Thousands can be seen exploding to the skies.
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