History of Chinese Fireworks
| The origin of Chinese fireworks dates back to 2000 years before. It is believed that the discovery of fireworks is a sheer accident. A Chinese cook who was working in the kitchen mixed saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal. He found that this mixture started burning and when it was kept compressed in a bamboo tube it exploded when it was ignited. |
Another belief is that the discovery of fireworks was around the 9th century during the period of Song dynasty. Historians believe that the discoveries could be confused. What the cook discovered was nothing but the gun powder.
In another historical record, Li Tian, a monk who lived in Liu Yang situated in the Hunan Province is credited with the invention of the crackers about 1000 years before. Even today, this region is the main area where firecrackers are produced.
The Chinese celebrate his invention on April 18 by offering various sacrifices to this inventor. It was during the Song Dynasty that the local inhabitants constructed a temple in order to worship Li Tian.
The Chinese believe that firecrackers ward off evil spirits who are frightened by its loud noise. Fireworks have become a common symbol during special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and death ceremonies.
Every New Year, the Chinese host a popular firecracker event to pray for a year free of evils. This fireworks event is popular worldwide.
The popularity of fireworks has now spread far and wide. Historical records of fireworks are found in Shakespearean works as well as during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
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