Why do we set off fireworks on the 4th?

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — For years, Americans across the country have celebrated the anniversary of the country’s independence with fireworks shows. But how long have Americans been doing this, and how did the tradition of setting off fireworks on the Fourth start in the first place?

The tradition of setting off fireworks for the Fourth of July started on the very first Independence Day in 1777, with firework celebrations taking place in Philadelphia and Boston. The Philadelphia celebration was complete with 13 rockets, one representing each colony, fired off at the beginning and end of the show.

According to the American Pyrotechnic Association, fireworks were first developed in China in the second century B.C. before making their way to Europe in the 13th century and eventually to the Americas.

According to U.S. News & World Report, John Adams wrote in a July 3, 1776 letter to his wife that celebrations of the U.S.’ independence from Britain should be celebrated with “Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”

While not the inspiration for Fourth of July fireworks displays every year, the “and the rockets’ red glare…” line in “The Star Spangled Banner” has also become synonymous with fireworks celebrating the Fourth for many, with many seeing it as a reflection of Francis Scott Key’s inspiration for the anthem during the War of 1812.

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