Firecracker

In the Chinese tradition, firecrackers are commonly used in festivals, marrige ceremonies and other celebrations such as promotions, completion of building and store openings.

The use of these firecrackers in celebrations has been in existence for over 2,000 years. In the early days where fire powder and paper had yet to be invented, the Chinese burnt bamboo to crack it and this produced a loud sound to scare away the god of plagues. Although superstitious, this ancient practice allowed people to wish for a peaceful and joyous life.

During the Tang Dynasty, the firecracker was known as the explosion pole. This is because a long bamboo was burnt in parts to cause a continuous explosion. Various experiments were conducted by alchemists (ancient time chemists) and they found that bamboos coukd become inflammable and could cause an explosion  through the mix of saltpetre (Chemical compound), sulphur and charcoal.

These discoveries led to the creation of gun powder. Soon afterm people began to place gun powder in the bamboo to burn it. This produced an even louder sound and caused a significant change in the ancient tradition of bamboo burning.

Later in the Northern Song Dynasty, the Chinese placed fire powder inti red paper rolls to replace the bamboo and this then became the modern firecracker which is now commonly used during Chinese festive seasons.

Food for Thought :

Continuous improvement of previous innovations and inventions, results in more useful, efficient and more marketable products and services.

Short Stories on Discoveries, Inventions, Innovation & Creativity

AAET and UTAR, 2015

ms 18-19