Everyone loves fireworks—the lights, the colors, and, of course, the loud explosions. But the history of fireworks is not just about celebrations. Long before dazzling fireworks displays lit up the sky, Chinese alchemists discovered the key ingredient that launched these brilliant streaks into the air. That invention is what we now call gunpowder.
Gunpowder Was Born from the Search for Immortality!
The story begins in ancient China during the mid-9th century, where early Chinese alchemists were attempting to create an elixir of immortality. Instead, they accidentally created a highly flammable powder that ended up burning down many of their homes. In its early days, the Chinese had not yet discovered how to make the powder explode; it was simply highly combustible. As a result, their military initially used it for fire arrows and even flamethrowers.
But once they figured out the right ratio of ingredients to create an explosion, gunpowder saw even greater use. The Chinese began using it for fireworks in ceremonies and for explosives to fight off Mongol invaders.
It is very likely that the Mongols helped spread the invention of gunpowder across the world. After invading China, they learned how to produce gunpowder themselves and carried it with them on their conquests through Persia and India. A European ambassador to the Mongols, William of Rubruck, may have been responsible for bringing knowledge of gunpowder to Europe around the year 1254.
From then on, military engineers and inventors developed all kinds of destructive weapons. From bombs to firearms and cannons, gunpowder left its mark on the world in a rather terrifying way—quite the opposite of the beautiful shapes it paints in the night sky. So, how exactly does this black powder send fireworks soaring?
When Does Gunpowder Explode?
You’ve probably seen cowboy movies or cartoons where a trail of gunpowder is lit, leading to a big barrel, and when the fire reaches the barrel—BOOM! But why does it only explode when it reaches the barrel? The reason lies in how burning gunpowder releases energy and gas. If gunpowder burns in an open space, the gas escapes easily into the air. But when it is trapped inside a barrel, the energy and gas build up until—BOOM!
Similarly, firework shells are designed with only one small opening to control the explosion’s energy. This trick makes the gunpowder detonate, launching the firework into the sky. The flame then ignites the head of the firework and—BOOM!
Instead of immortality, Chinese alchemists discovered something that left a mark on every civilization—bringing both moments of devastation throughout human history and joy and hope as we gaze at the colorful night sky during festive celebrations.
