Why We Celebrate the Fourth of July

 

The Fourth of July is the day Americans celebrate our nation’s independence from Great Britain. This might surprise Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence. The Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776. Jefferson wrote to his wife Abigail the next day:

 “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.”

The Continental Congress did not approve Jefferson’s declaration until July 4, leading to the popular association of the Fourth of July with the official date of independence. By the way, the Declaration of Independence wasn’t signed by most Congressional delegates until Aug. 2, 1776.

A Brief History of Fireworks

Fireworks are an important part of most Fourth of July celebrations. Though most of us associate them with American patriotism — “the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,” and so forth — fireworks actually originated in ancient China.

During the 7th century, the Chinese used fireworks to frighten evil spirits away. Eventually fireworks artists became highly respected for their ability to mix bright color and loud explosions and their services were employed for royal celebrations. In the Ming Dynasty (which began in the 12th century) fireworks became more commonplace, used for birthdays, weddings and New Year’s festivities.

Treatise on Fireworks, written by Amédée-François Frézie in 1706, became the standard manual for pyrotechnicians. Fireworks were an important part of the very first Independence Day celebration in 1777 and were launched in celebration of George Washington’s first presidential inauguration in 1789.