Other than American flags, fireworks may be the most recognizable symbol of the Fourth of July. Many of us have warm memories of sitting on a towel in the grass and looking up at red, white, and blue explosions.
The problem: like a lot of beloved traditions, fireworks are being re-evaluated in recent years. Many cite issues such as environmental damage, noise pollution, safety, and cost as reasons for turning away from the explosive tradition.
The Origin of the Tradition
According to an article from the Smithsonian, the tradition of fireworks has been around since the beginning of the holiday, with them being a part of the first organized Independence Day celebration in Philadelphia on July 4th, 1777.
References to fireworks being a way to celebrate the holiday actually predate the holiday itself. John Adams wrote a letter to his wife the day before the Declaration of Independence was signed that lists fireworks as one of the ways people will celebrate.
Although it is impossible to know why people gravitated toward fireworks specifically, it is worth noting that they were already a popular part of many European national celebrations at the time, so the American colonists may have just adopted an existing trend. It’s also possible that fireworks were seen as one of the best ways to celebrate something as explosive as national independence.
Why Are People Moving Away From Fireworks?
Fireworks are known to release numerous harmful substances into the air, according to an article from The Guardian. This includes heavy metals used for coloring and fine particles, which can be harmful to people’s lungs. The debris from said toxic materials can also land in lakes following detonation– not to mention, the explosions themselves are known to alarm and disrupt wildlife.
Regarding noise pollution, it’s no secret that fireworks have their critics. Fireworks aren’t just heard by the people who set them off, but by everyone in a wide radius. Negative reactions can range from people who just find the explosions annoying, to those suffering from disorders such as PTSD who find the loud noises to be triggering.
Aside from the negative effects fireworks may have on other people, they are just plain expensive. In an era where technology lets us see whatever we want whenever we want, it’s getting harder to justify dropping hundreds of dollars for an hour of bright colors.
Finally, what many people consider to be the most harmful side effect of fireworks is their danger. Are explosives operated by non-professionals really a great addition to a holiday that often features heavy drinking?
The Shift
I’m sure by now you get it– fireworks have their problems, but what if they are still fun? The good thing is that even though people may be moving away from fireworks, there are several less problematic alternatives people are turning toward.
Light shows using LEDs, lasers, or even drones can put on much more dynamic visual spectacles than fireworks.
If a light show doesn’t satiate your desire to see things go boom, things like compressed air cannons containing confetti can allow you to still channel your inner Michael Bay without making the neighborhood flinch.
Traditions may come and go, but what really matters this Fourth of July is spending time with the people you care about. Maybe you still want fireworks in your celebration—and that’s totally fine. But if you’re someone who’s wary of them, there’s nothing wrong with trying out other kinds of entertainment for you and your loved ones.
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