The history of the emergence of fireworks

• The history of fireworks

What is New Year? This tinsel, mandarin, olive, tree, and of course, fireworks. Adults and children with the same enthusiasm watch the bright lights flashing in the sky. Today we remember the story of the appearance of fireworks. This tradition appeared in the 7th century in China, and only after many centuries has become popular all over the world!

Modern fireworks

Fireworks were invented in China during the reign of the imperial Tang Dynasty. Masters of pyrotechnic art soon became revered in society: they knew how to surprise the audience and create an incredible show. For the Chinese, it was especially important because, according to popular belief, fireworks chased away evil spirits and bring good luck and happiness. Launching fireworks require special skills and knowledge that a long time trained and constantly improve their skills.

Chinese fireworks, illustration from the book, published in 1628-1643 gg.

Much later, the fireworks began to run only for fun and as a sign of the solemnity of the moment. There is evidence of a grand fireworks display in 1110, which is staged during a military parade in order to amuse the Emperor Hui-tsung and his court.

The English illustration of Chinese fireworks, XVIII century.

Due to the long-term study of the properties of gunpowder fireworks, the Chinese were among the first to use it for military purposes. In the middle of the XIII century the Arabs took over the knowledge gained from the Chinese. According to surviving records, they were amazed, "Chinese flowers" (as they call the fireworks) and began to study the technology of their creation.

Fireworks on the River Thames, London, 1749

"Chinese flowers" appeared in Europe in the XVII century. It was a period of fascination Asian culture in general, and fireworks - were no exception. Europeans willingly took over the landscape solutions for the garden arrangement, with interest acquainted with Chinese literature, music, painting. In particular, the Lieutenant-General Lev Izmailov, who visited China on a diplomatic mission, noted that in the country are launching fireworks, which no one in Europe and can not imagine.

Modern fireworks

By 1765 there were the first guide with detailed descriptions of the technology of various Chinese fireworks. Since the invention China conquered the world. To present the current New Year without fireworks is simply impossible.