As we celebrate independence this weekend in the U.S, there’s one thing that all we look forward to more than the plate of burgers and the crazy lady dressed in red, white and blue with her face painted. Any guesses? If you said “fireworks,” then go light yourself a sparkler. If not, well, then one less burger for you.
According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the brightly lit noun, “firework” is defined as:
1 : a device for producing a striking display by the combustion of explosive or flammable compositions
2 plural : a display of fireworks
3 plural a: a display of temper or intense conflict b: a spectacular display <the fireworks of autumn leaves>
Lucky for me (and most Americans), I have a solid visual memory of this word as I read the definition. I am taken back to moments where I can see and hear the explosive sound erupting into twinkling lights in the sky, just as much as I can see the “fireworks” of fall colors begin to light up the trees lining the backyard.
Fireworks are as American as Apple Pie and Jerry Springer, but before exploding in the land of the free and the home of the brave, they were dancing in the skies of China as early as the 12th century. Merriam-Webster claims that fireworks were not rooted in language until 1575.
According to the blog, A Walk in the Words, “fireworks was not coined until 1777” the year after the U.S.A claimed independence. Prior to that date, “fireworks” were referred to as “rockets.”
But if we break down the word very simply, “fire” is truly doing the “work.” The “fire” causes the explosion to “work” and create a beautiful display that would excite all pyromaniacs and cause them to skip and frolic in glee.
As the independence weekend comes to an end, take a moment and soak up the big finale of fire’s work in the sky.
Tagged: 4th of July, fire, firework, fireworks, independence day, light show, sparklers