History of Fireworks in China

The evolution of fireworks in China is a fascinating tale.

The history and development of fireworks in China is a long story dating back more than 2,000 years. The discovery and evolution of fireworks was by both accident and intent. It developed through the efforts of individuals and unified groups, and was touched by a cook, alchemists, military and entrepreneurs. Today fireworks is one of China's mainstay products, supplying the majority of the fireworks consumed by the global market.

First Explosion

The first "firecrackers" were actually chunks of green bamboo thrown into the fire to ward off wild animals and evil spirits. This bursting bamboo was known as pao chuk. Bamboo because of its fast growth cycle develops with air pockets and sap pockets, which explode when heated. These chunks of bamboo were used for more than a thousand years at births, weddings and coronations.

Second Spark

The forerunner to gunpowder was discovered by accident during the Sui and Tang dynasties (600-960 AD). Huo yao or "fire drug," was discovered by alchemists, and according to their records it was a mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, arsenic disulphide and honey. This combination burned with a flame so hot that it burned the hands and faces of those tending the experiment, and in the end burned down the shack in which they were doing the experiments. These mixtures were not as strong as gunpowder but when enclosed in bamboo tubes they were found to be more explosive then the green bamboo of the earlier generations.

Firecrackers

The invention of firecrackers is credited to a Chinese monk named Li Tain. Li Tain lived in Hunan Province near the city of Liu Yang. The invention of firecrackers is celebrated every year on April 18. Sacrifices are made to Li Tain every year on that date. Firecrackers are a large part of Chinese New Year celebration. They are used to ward off evil spirits and help ensure a new year free of their evils.

1970s and 1980s

During the 1970s and 1980s fireworks factories were in large part government-subsidized ventures. The factories were not required to make a profit because the government was more concerned with keeping the workers in jobs than with the profit margin. The main areas of production were in regions whose other main industry was agriculture. There were two main export companies that were based in the two main production areas, Hunan Export Corporation and the Jiangxi Export Corporation.

Fireworks Today

Fireworks are made today much the same way they have been for centuries. And the Liu Yang region of Hunan Province is still the main production area for fireworks. It is often mistakenly believed that this is due to the labor being cheaper there; however the real reason is because this is the region with the longest history and most experience in the production of quality fireworks.

References

• PyroUniverse: History of Fireworks
• Fireworks University: Historyof Fireworks