Annual Fourth of July Tradition: Americas Nightly Pyrotechnics Display
In the year 1777, at the first official Independence Day celebration in Philadelphia, a tradition was born that would come to symbolise the explosive joy and liberty celebrated on the nation’s birthday. This tradition was none other than the use of fireworks, an ancient practice with roots in Chinese pyrotechnic technology that had spread through Europe and eventually to the American colonies.
Inspired by these traditions, the Fourth of July celebrations in Philadelphia and Boston that year featured a grand exhibition of fireworks, as reported by the Pennsylvania Evening Post. This practice was encouraged by Founding Father John Adams, who envisioned the anniversary of independence marked every year with "pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other," emphasising fireworks as a symbolic expression of national joy and liberty.
Over time, these celebrations expanded to include parades, bonfires, public readings of the Declaration of Independence, and community gatherings such as barbecues. In smaller towns and rural areas, where fireworks might not have been readily available or safe, families lit candles in their windows as a symbolic gesture of hope, unity, and remembrance—an early form of what became known as "Illumination Nights." This practice underscored the use of light as a central theme in Independence Day celebrations.
Today, fireworks remain a hallmark of Fourth of July festivities across the United States. These large-scale public displays engage communities in honoring American independence, continuing to symbolise the freedom and national pride celebrated on the nation’s birthday.
However, it is important to note that the United States relies heavily on China for consumer fireworks, with China manufacturing about 90% of the fireworks used in professional shows in the US. This could potentially be impacted by the introduction of a 30% tariff on Chinese products.
The tradition of lighting fireworks on Independence Day started before the official adoption of the Declaration of Independence, with John Adams, in a letter to his wife, Abigail, predicting future celebrations of Independence Day. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on a date not specified in the text, but the tradition of celebrating special events with fireworks originated in medieval Europe.
In recent years, the tradition of fireworks on Independence Day has also been observed in unexpected places, such as Antarctica. Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, fireworks are a part of the Aquatennial festival and post-baseball game celebrations at Target Field.
As we celebrate this year's Independence Day, let us remember the history and significance of the fireworks tradition, a symbol of the explosive joy and liberty that continues to define America.
The tradition of celebrating Independence Day with fireworks, a symbol of national joy and liberty, has evolved over time, incorporating various elements such as parades, community gatherings, and public readings of the Declaration of Independence. Today, despite relying heavily on Chinese imports, fireworks continue to be a central part of Fourth of July festivities across the United States, symbolizing the freedom and national pride celebrated on the nation’s birthday. In unexpected locations like Antarctica and sports events like the Aquatennial festival and post-baseball game celebrations in Minneapolis, fireworks display the enduring spirit of Independence Day.
