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It's a familiar sight: rockets shooting into the air in colorful spirals before exploding into magical shapes in front of the watching eyes of excited children and smiling parents. Fireworks wow crowds every Fourth of July, kick off the Olympic Games, and mark special occasions all over the world. From movies to theme parks, fireworks signal that people are having a great time. Yet these blazing conflagrations have been a part of human history for nearly 1500 years, with a history almost as venerable as celebrations themselves. Here is a brief history of the evolution of these marvelous rockets, as well as innovations that should keep them soaring and exploring for years to come. China The rockets were first developed sometime during the Tang Dynasty in China. The Tang Dynasty was home to the most populous city in the world, and we can all imagine the first day that rockets shot out over the walls and exploded in brilliant form before the startled eyes of onlookers. For many, the Tang is the high mark of Chinese cosmopolitanism. It should be no surprise, then, that the Empire's scientists were able to mix the necessary chemicals for these sorts of explosions. In early days, the locals put great faith in the rockets, believing them to protect the city from evil spirits and spread joy throughout the land. Ever since those days, these golden streamers have been associated with China, as they've exploded above her skies for centuries. Europe As could be expected, it took years for the rockets to spread from China into European society. The journeys of Marco Polo and other explorers had made people in Europe aware of firework displays, but no one could faithfully reproduce the rockets in all of their Chinese glory. By the 17th and 18th century, people were writing of the glories of celebrations in China, and merchants were purchasing Chinese rockets from merchants and bringing them back to the West. Similarly, missionaries observed the creation of the rockets and created detailed records explaining the production process. Finally, by the middle of the 1700s, fireworks became a regular part of European celebratory culture. The Present Day Today's rockets are more complex than ever, often exploding in fabulous and intricate shapes that leave onlookers dazzles. A number of new innovations have allowed pyrotechnics to control the shape and size of displays to an extent never seen before. Many displays today are set to music, and some even have choreographed performances to accompany them. Competitions also draw artists from all over the world. The most famous one is held in Montreal every year, with innovators coming from the far reaches of the earth to be recognized for their achievements. The competition always results in a stunning show, and each year improves on the last. The future of fireworks looks just as bright as a blazing rocket exploding into golden magnificence on the horizon. When looking for fireworks in PA, shoppers go to http://thefireworkssuperstore.com.
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