The History and Creation of the Firework
The firework is a class of low explosive pyrotechnic device that is mainly used for entertainment and aesthetic purposes. Mainly they are used in displays and shows, combining a large number of fireworks in an outdoor setting. Such displays are mainly for cultural and religious reasons. Many fireworks emit smoke, noise, light and confetti with the latter being the most common emission.
Most fireworks are made with a paper or pasteboard tube which gets filled up with combustible material. Many of these tubes can be combined to make a variety of sparkling shapes, often various colors.
With the issue of noise rising into prominence silent fireworks are becoming more popular as they are quieter and help with people with hearing problems and with the wildlife.
When fireworks came into the New World, immigrants and settlers used them during the first 4th of July celebration. Legend even has it that John Smith and a few other settlers used fireworks to set up the first fireworks display in Jamestown in 1608.
Fireworks were first invented in China in 600 AD, and the first fireworks were made from charcoal, potassium nitrate and sulfur in a bamboo shoot. They were thrown in fires to make loud sounds. Soon paper tubes were used and the Chinese began creating simple bombs and firecrackers. Some were even attached with arrows which were used in battle. In the 12th century, explosives were used in warfare essentially creating the first mortars and rockets.
When fireworks made their way to Europe by Marco Polo as some historians claim, the Italians were the first Europeans to manufacture fireworks and were used for festivals or public entertainment. Most firework shows were for times of military victory or just normal, regular festivals. They soon became more famous as time passed.
Fireworks have changed since the early days of China; from explosives and loud noises to the festivity and colors they make, fireworks have evolved to provide the people with positivity and joy.
Ball Drop
On New Year's Eve in NYC at Times Square the famous ball drop is held. Many people attend it or watch it from their television. At 11:59 p.m. the countdown starts, then once it hits 12 AM or midnight the ball has been dropped and the New Year starts. But before the "ball drop" people in NYC used a different way to celebrate the new year. They would do so by gathering outside Trinity Church on Wall Street to hear the bells ring so that they knew when the New Year arrived. People were celebrating NYE in Times Square as early as 1904, but in 1907 the "ball drop" officially made it in Times Square and it stayed like that because NYC was gaining popularity. The NYC ball at the time was made of only iron and wood, illuminated with 25-watt light bulbs. It was 5 feet in diameter weighing 700 pounds. During the 1920s, the ball changed to wrought iron and weighed 400 pounds. The ball stayed the same till 1942-1943. They paused the ball drop because of World War II, fearing enemies would use the NYE celebration as an opportunity to attack. After the end of the war the ball drop continued as normal and even changed a bit. It was now made out of aluminum and weighed 150 pounds. Once it was even an apple to promote NYC tourism. After many years with the same ball, they wanted to make it special for the new millennium; in the 2000’s, 2,688 crystals were placed on the ball. Seven years later it was the ball drop's 100 anniversary and this was the first time LED lights were tested on the ball in hopes of attracting more people. In 2020, the event was canceled because of the Covid 19 pandemic and in 2021 only a limited number of people were allowed to attend the event. Lastly, for the 2022 ball drop anyone could attend so long as they were vaccinated for Covid 19. -anonymous 802
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