The history of fireworks – from China to Switzerland

Fireworks have captivated people for centuries. But where does this tradition come from, and how did it find its way to Switzerland? A look back at the past reveals how fireworks have evolved and why they continue to play such a special role today.

The first bangs in China

The roots of fireworks lie in China. As early as the Han Dynasty, around two hundred years before Christ, people roasted bamboo sticks over a fire. When the air chambers in the bamboo were heated, they burst with a loud bang. This effect fascinated people and soon became part of festivals to drive away ghosts and bring good luck.

In the 9th century, alchemists discovered gunpowder, a mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. This invention is considered one of the great milestones in human history. It made it possible to create explosive effects with precision and laid the foundation for the first fireworks in the true sense of the word.

From the Imperial Court to Popular Joy

During the Tang and later Song dynasties, fireworks evolved further. Paper tubes replaced bamboo, and strings of firecrackers created entire sequences. Fireworks were now an integral part of ceremonies and celebrations at the imperial court.

Gradually, fireworks spread from the courts to the cities. Entire displays were organized, and people associated them with good luck, joy, and protection from evil spirits.

The road to Europe

Knowledge of gunpowder spread westward via trade routes. From the 14th century onward, the first reports of fireworks in Europe appear, especially at the courts of Italy and England. There, they were used for entertainment and soon developed into an art form.

Especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, the shows grew into genuine folk festivals. Fireworks were no longer just a thing for royalty, but became part of the wider community.

The transformation of fireworks

While initially the focus was primarily on spectacular effects, over the centuries fireworks increasingly evolved into a blend of light, color, and form. New techniques were used to create figures, fans, and entire images in the sky.

Today, there's an enormous variety: from silent, sparkling volcanic effects to massive celestial displays at major events. What started as a simple bang in a bamboo cane has evolved into an art form that captivates audiences around the world.

A short chemistry excursion

The heart of every firework is the black powder. It provides the necessary pressure for the components of the effect to ignite and disperse into the air. For a firework to work, the chemical mixture must decompose explosively. This is the only way to create pressure, light, and color.

Metal salts are responsible for the color:

• Strontium produces red
• Barium provides green
• Copper brings blue
• Sodium provides yellow
• Calcium produces orange
• Aluminium, titanium or magnesium provide white, silver and particularly bright sparks

The art of pyrotechnics lies in combining these substances in such a way that not only colors but also certain shapes are created.

Fireworks in Switzerland

Fireworks have been known in Switzerland for centuries. The first records date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when fireworks were set off on special occasions in cities like Zurich and Bern. They served as a symbol of prestige at celebrations held by authorities or in honor of guests.

Over time, fireworks found their way into popular culture. From the 19th century onward, they were also used by the general public, especially at village festivals or church consecrations.

August 1st was officially celebrated as a national holiday for the first time in 1891. In the decades that followed, fireworks gradually became an integral part of this celebration. This is likely due to the fact that fireworks are easily associated with symbolism: light in the dark, loud effects as a sign of joy, and the act of gazing up at the sky together.

Today, fireworks are a standard part of the August 1st celebration in many communities. They have established themselves as an expression of festivity, similar to speeches, torchlit processions, or music. Although forms and intensity have changed over time, fireworks remain a visible symbol of the national holiday in Switzerland to this day.

Conclusion

The history of fireworks demonstrates how simple explosions in bamboo sticks evolved into a worldwide tradition. The interplay of chemistry, art, and culture has given rise to a custom that connects generations. And in Switzerland, in particular, fireworks have become an integral part of the national holiday.