Why Do Fireworks Light Up the Sky on the Fourth of July?
It’s a tradition as old as the country itself.
By: Kirsten Brooker | July 3, 2025 | 566 Words
(Photo by Zhu Ziyu/VCG via Getty Images)
On Friday, July 4, 2025, America will celebrate the birthday of America’s independence. There are several traditions surrounding the holiday, including barbecues, picnics, parades, sports events, and concerts, among others. Perhaps the most popular is a fireworks display. On Friday night, and likely all weekend long, the skies will be filled with loud, colorful bursts of light that delight spectators. But why fireworks? When did that tradition begin, and what is the significance?
Fireworks Salute Independence
Fireworks have been around for thousands of years, first documented in China about 2,000 years ago. Firecrackers were created during the Song dynasty by a Chinese monk, Li Tian, who built the pyrotechnics by filling bamboo sticks with gunpowder. Since then, they have morphed into the awe-inspiring shows we see today.
(Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
In the United States, July 4 honors the country’s independence from Britain. It was a triumphant day for Commander George Washington and those fighting with Continental troops during the Revolutionary War. The Declaration of Independence was officially adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776. John Adams, one of America’s founding fathers and the second president, should get the bulk of the credit for this long-standing tradition. Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail: “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival … It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
The Tradition Settles In
The first organized celebration of Independence Day would not take place until July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia. As reported by The Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 5, 1777: “Yesterday the 4th of July, being the anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, was celebrated in this city with demonstrations of joy and festivity. About noon all the armed ships and gallies in the river were drawn up before the city, dressed in the gayest manner, with the colors of the United States and streamers displayed.
“After each ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute (in honor of the 13 colonies), the festivities continued, including an elegant dinner, a military demonstration and a performance by a Hessian band. The evening was closed with the ringing of bells,” the Evening Post reported, “and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.”
Simultaneously, Adams was watching a fireworks show of his own in Boston, MA. The traditions took hold, shaping for years to come the most popular way to celebrate the independence of the United States of America.
Independence Day was established as an official holiday by Congress in 1870. Fireworks were already a staple of the celebratory events. The bright and colorful displays symbolize patriotism and freedom. On Independence Day we loudly and proudly celebrate our country, the United States of America.
- Fireworks have been around for thousands of years, first documented in China about 2,000 years ago.
- Firecrackers were created during the Song dynasty by a Chinese monk, Li Tian, who built the pyrotechnics by filling bamboo sticks with gunpowder.
- Independence Day was established as an official holiday by Congress in 1870.
