In the honour of the passing of our May-24 weekend, I have decided to add a little education to your life!! Don't you think you need it?? Especially after your pot-smoking/with the possibility of other narcotics consumption, mixed in with excessive alcohol intake weekend!!??
That is what I thought!
As many of us enjoy fireworks on the 2-4, I thought why not a lesson on where it comes from! From my nerdy historian brain, into yours!
Fireworks originated in China some 2,000 years ago. The most prevalent legend has it that fireworks were discovered, or invented by accident by a Chinese cook working in a field kitchen. Little did this chap know that his mix of charcoal, sulphur and saltpeter (all commonly found in the kitchen in those days)-- would lead to a explosion!
YOU WISH!
The mixture burned and when compressed in an enclosure (a bamboo tube). Thus, the mixture exploded.
Fast-forward one-thousand years to China. Enter, Li Tian, a Chinese priest. Li Tian is credited with the actual invention of firecrackers. Firecrackers, were thought to have the power, through there loud bang, to fend off evil spirits.
CHA-BANG! Take THAT ghosts and evil spirits!
Oh ethnic paranoia is so fun! Cheers, Li Tian, for taking the initiative to ward off evil! The Chinese people celebrate the invention of the firecracker every April 18, by offering sacrifices to Li Tian (you the man, DOG!). The man is a celebrity in his own right. Without him, there would be no "Symphony of Fire!"
NOW YOU KNOW...where fireworks were invented, firecrackers were born and who was the first to use them!
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