Key Insights on the Origins and Customs of the Fourth of July Holiday

The Fourth of July embodies the essence of America with its parades, barbecues, chilled beer, and most notably, fireworks.

However, these captivating pyrotechnics make this holiday notably hazardous, usually resulting in over 10,000 emergency room visits. Nevertheless, fireworks persist as a crucial aspect of Independence Day, a celebration that’s been in place for 247 years.

Here, we’ll delve into five interesting aspects of the Fourth of July, from its inception to the integration of fireworks into its tradition.

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WHAT PROMPTED THE INCEPTION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY?

This holiday marks the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous endorsement of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a proclamation that declared the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.

According to the Library of Congress, the following year saw a spontaneous celebration in Philadelphia to commemorate the first anniversary of American independence.

However, it wasn’t until after the War of 1812 that these commemorations became widespread across the emerging nation. The Fourth of July rapidly gained prominence as major historical events like the groundbreakings for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were timed to align with the celebrations.

WHAT ESTABLISHED FIREWORKS AS A FOURTH OF JULY TRADITION?

From the very beginning, fireworks have been an integral part of Independence Day celebrations. Founding Father John Adams foresaw this.

He penned a letter to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, asserting that America’s independence “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.”

Fireworks have been around for centuries, even before America’s inception. The American Pyrotechnics Association suggests that many historians believe fireworks were first created in ancient China around the second century B.C. by throwing bamboo stalks into fires, which would explode as the hollow air pockets overheated.

By the 15th century, fireworks were a popular feature of religious festivals and public entertainment in Europe. Early settlers in the U.S. carried on these traditions, as noted by the association.

HAS ANY PRESIDENT EVER DECLINED TO CELEBRATE?

Every U.S. President, from George Washington to Joe Biden, has commemorated the nation’s birth on the Fourth of July, with the exception of John Adams.

Despite his aforementioned letter, Adams chose not to celebrate on July 4, believing that the real Independence Day was July 2. On this date in 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, although the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence occurred two days later.

Adams held his belief so strongly that he declined invitations to festivals and other events, even while serving as the nation’s second president. Intriguingly, Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, both passed away on its 50th anniversary, July 4, 1826.

HOW WIDELY ARE FIREWORKS USED?

The consumer sales of fireworks have surged remarkably over the past two decades.

The American Pyrotechnics Association’s data reveals that American consumers’ spending on fireworks escalated from $407 million in 2000 to $2.3 billion in 2022. The most significant increase occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when public fireworks displays were cancelled, causing consumer sales to leap from $1 billion in 2019 to $1.9 billion in 2020.

According to Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, “People began purchasing fireworks from Memorial Day weekend, and they just didn’t stop. They kept setting off fireworks throughout 2020, which genuinely surprised the industry.”

The association anticipates a further increase of $100 million in sales this year, facilitated by the Fourth of July falling on a Tuesday, thus creating a four-day weekend.

ARE FIREWORKS HAZARDOUS?

Despite numerous educational campaigns, fireworks injure thousands of Americans every year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission disclosed that in 2022, 10,200 individuals were treated at emergency rooms and 11 deaths were attributed to fireworks. Approximately three-quarters of the injuries occurred in the period surrounding the Fourth of July.

About a third of the injuries affected the head, face, ears, or eyes, while injuries to fingers, hands, and legs were also common.

Dr. Tiffany Osborn, an emergency room physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, remarked, “I have seen people who have blown off fingers. I’ve seen people who have lost eyes. I’ve seen people who have significant facial injuries.”

Nearly a third of those injured by fireworks are children under 15. Sparklers are often the culprit for burns in children under 5. Instead of sparklers, Osborn recommends giving young children glow sticks or colorful streamers.

For those planning to set off fireworks, Heckman advises finding a flat, hard, level surface away from potential fire hazards. The individual responsible for the fireworks should abstain from alcohol and children should not be allowed to ignite them.

Osborn further recommends having a water source nearby in case of fire or explosion. After lighting, move away quickly, and never try to reignite or handle a malfunctioned firework. After the display, collect the remnants, douse them in water, and then dispose of them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fourth of July traditions

More about Fourth of July traditions

• History of Independence Day
• American Pyrotechnics Association
• Fireworks Safety Tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• John Adams and the True Date of Independence
• Fireworks Statistics by the American Pyrotechnics Association