The origin of fireworks comes before gun powder was invented, thousands of years ago in China during the Han Dynasty, approximately 200 B.C.Starting as chunks of green bamboo with pockets of air and sap, it was heated which expanded the air inside the hollow reed resulting in an unexpected explosion. Sometime between 600 and 900 A.D., Chinese alchemists mixed together saltpeter, sulfur and other ingredients creating an early form of gunpowder. This volatile substance was stuffed into bamboo shoots that, when thrown into a fire, produced a loud blast. Today, fireworks have many ceremonial uses for occasions all over the world, such as Bastille Day in France, the International Festival concert in Scotland and the Fourth of July in America.

Today there are many types and varieties of fireworks available. The fountain firework comes from a base that shoots a fountain of colorful sparkles approximately 10 feet into the air. The Blistering Cactus fountain begins with a fountain of sparkles, followed by a burst of green, then small crackling explosions, a burst of red, a fountain of sparkles, and ending with small crackling explosions, all lasting approximately one minute.

The Roman candle is another popular choice that consists of a long tube that fires several large stars at a preset interval. The 13 Ball Roman Candle fires a red star, green star, blue star, yellow star, and an orange star then the sequence repeats. The stars are fired at approximately two second intervals for approximately 26 seconds. Cakes use a single fuse to ignite a preset routine of shells, fountains and rockets. Another firework, known as the Grave Digger, starts with a large silver fountain, then 14 multicolored bursts which include shotgun blasts and crackling that lasts 30 seconds. Finally, wheels are a type of firework that is designed to be attached to a vertical support to spin at a high rate of speed when lit. They emit showers of sparks, crackles, and whistles.

Fireworks do not have to cost a fortune. Knowing where and how to buy them can make a huge difference. Specials, bulk buys and packages deliver substantial value for your money when making your purchases. When they are purchased at a secondary location, even a temporary seasonal location, the price usually includes all of the costs involved in transporting and housing on location, as well as the cost of employment for all the staff involved. However, when purchasing online, the absence of all of the previously mentioned additional costs will result in better pricing for savings that can be passed on to the customer.

Author Bio:

Matt Hillslide blogs about the firework industry, focusing on the wide variety of discount firework displays you can find online. For the widest selection of fireworks online, Matt recommends that you  stop by the Rocket Fireworks website to check out the amazing specials!