The eye-catching fireworks displays that we admire during the holidays are actually quite simple in structure, made from explosives, propellants and a few other additives. When shot into the sky, they create extremely spectacular and magnificent scenes with many eye-catching colors, interesting and vivid shapes. According to historians, fireworks were invented more than 2000 years ago, around the 2nd century BC in ancient China.
Back then, firecrackers were just bamboo tubes that exploded naturally when thrown into a fire due to the air pockets in the bamboo. Although these were not really called fireworks, they were the original source of what we know today.
By 600-900 AD, there was a legend about a Chinese alchemist who mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal to create a black powder mixture contained in bamboo sticks that, when exposed to fire, would explode into what is considered the first fireworks in human history.
At that time, fireworks were used by the Chinese in exorcism rituals, religious festivals or New Year because they believed that it had the ability to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck to families. Later, around the 13th century, it was introduced to Western countries thanks to trade and exploration from Europe to China. Then, it became popular throughout the continent in the 16th century. In particular, England was the country that brought fireworks to all its colonies, contributing to making it more widely known on many different continents. But if we admire fireworks at that time, we will realize that they were not brilliant at all because it was not until around 1830 that Italian inventors found a way to create beautiful colorful fireworks like today.
In Singapore, the farewell to the old year is no less spectacular when it takes place right at Marina Bay. Fireworks are launched from many different locations around the bay, creating an overwhelming scene for viewers. However, there is certainly no better place to watch fireworks than with family and loved ones nearby. Even if you travel all over the world, gathering with family, watching brilliant fireworks displays, and experiencing the sacred moment of the new year with loved ones is the most beautiful and memorable scene.
Fireworks are chosen by many countries as a way to welcome the New Year not only because of their splendid beauty but also because of the important spiritual values of people that they contain in the sacred New Year's Eve moment. The resounding fireworks are the clearest and loudest announcement about the end of the old year and its positive, colorful atmosphere will carry our wishes, hopes, joys and excitements towards a peaceful and happy new year.
Heritage Magazine
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