Watching fireworks all around, I wondered how they came to mark the United States' independence from England -- and what it all means.
Wikipedia, source of all things true (after which it then is made more true), tells us that the earliest unequivocal documentation of fireworks dates back to 12th Century China, where they were used to frighten away evil spirits and also to pray for happiness and prosperity. OK, I'm beginning to see a potential connection.
It goes on to explain that fireworks and black ash were used to celebrate important events long before the Revolutionary War -- and that even George Washington's inauguration as president in 1789 was accompanied by a fireworks display.
After more than 200 years, Americans haven't come up with anything to beat fireworks as a means of expressing our happiness at being independent.
Wikipedia, source of all things true (after which it then is made more true), tells us that the earliest unequivocal documentation of fireworks dates back to 12th Century China, where they were used to frighten away evil spirits and also to pray for happiness and prosperity. OK, I'm beginning to see a potential connection.
It goes on to explain that fireworks and black ash were used to celebrate important events long before the Revolutionary War -- and that even George Washington's inauguration as president in 1789 was accompanied by a fireworks display.
After more than 200 years, Americans haven't come up with anything to beat fireworks as a means of expressing our happiness at being independent.
No comments:
Post a Comment