Fireworks

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Fireworks have different meanings and emotions associated with it according to the different times of their use... And then, according to culture, they are used at different times.

In its purest meaning fireworks are a device containing gunpowder and other combustible chemicals that causes a spectacular explosion when ignited, used typically for display or in celebrations.
In the U.S. they are typically set off on Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July. Out here the time for fireworks is New Years Eve.

Traditionally, loud noises were used to scare the ‘evil spirits’ away from the celebration ~ whatever it was that was celebrated. Although the milestones in life that were most important to celebrate ~ like births, deaths (funerals); but also weddings, and new beginnings ~  were most likely to be accompanied with loud noises.

With fireworks then the emphasis changed somewhat from the noise-aspect to a more visual display. And being outside to watch the wonderfully colored stars erupt from the exploding arrows ~ high up in the nightly sky ~ is a fantastic and joyful display. A true welcome of a new beginning at the start of a new year! And those that are watching will almost always ‘oooh’ and ‘ahhhhh’ the fireworks...

This opposed to the fireworks that are being set off unexpectedly during the days and nights that lead up to the celebration. These often illegal fireworks set off at unlawful times spark an annoyance that seems to grow with every loud and sudden bang!

‘Fireworks’ are also use to describe an emotionally explosive situation. Either in a sometimes sugar-sweet, romantic way: “They looked into each other’s eyes and starry fireworks seemed to light up the room...” Or to describe an argument that leaves sparks flying around the room.

The thing that stays the same no matter what the use of the word, or the purpose of the aesthetic  pyrotechnic devices ~ is their explosive nature.

And perhaps that is why we like to use them so much at our celebrations! Besides the traditional ‘warding off of evil’ they transform into something entirely new and different with a bang!
Just like our celebration brings us from the old into the new...

Another part of fireworks that seems to stay the same no matter what is the thick, stale scent they leave behind in the air when everything is over and the calm returns ~ together with a foggy substance caused by all the gunpowder explosions.

And then, the next day, when everything is cleaned up ~ that is the time when the new situation, or even the new year, has truly begun...
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