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Summertime American Traditions
Ah summer, it may be hot (at least here in Birmingham), but there is so much to do. A first for my son was attending the local (minor league) baseball game. Our neighbors invited us to join them in their air conditioned box seats, so it was tough to turn down the offer. We had a great time, although the fireworks at the end of the game were a little scary for my son. I guess for some kids loud bangs and colored flames are an acquired taste.
Did you know the flames in fireworks were not always colored though?
The Chinese do get the credit for the original invention of fireworks, but this was really just the invention of black powder. After doing some quick research on the history behind fireworks related to American celebrations, I found that the pretty colors we see today were a technological advancement from the Italians around the 1830's.
 Fireworks were brought over by America's first settlers. So when the founding fathers called for independence from England, they felt that fireworks would be the best device to convey unity and enthusiasm for this new country's first Independence Day in 1777. Think about it though, since colors weren't added until almost 50 years later, watching fireworks then would have been like watching black and white TV.
So this year when you and your family are staring up at the colored starbursts trumpeting your ooohhh's and aaahhh's remember the Chinese gave you the bang, the Italians made them pretty, but America made them tradition.
Don't miss the Best of America article in the July 2009 issue of Readers Digest...you can read it online here. Add 12 issues of Reader's Digest to your collection for $24.98.
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