What You Need to Know About Independence Day Origins and Traditions
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Independence Day is Americana at heart, with parades, al fresco dining, cold beer, and, of course, fireworks.
These fireworks make this day a particularly dangerous holiday, usually resulting in more than 10,000 emergency room visits. But fireworks are still central to the 247-year-old Independence Day celebration.
Here are five things to know about the Fourth of July, including where the holiday came from and how fireworks became part of the tradition.
What is the origin of Independence Day?
This holiday celebrates the unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This proclamation is a document announcing the separation of the colonies from Great Britain.
A year later, a spontaneous celebration was held in Philadelphia to mark Independence Day, according to the Library of Congress.
However, it was not until after the War of 1812 that observations became commonplace across emerging nations. Observations began immediately. The Library of Congress records that it documents major historical events of the 19th century, including the groundbreaking of the Erie Canal and the Baltimore River. The Ohio Railroad was scheduled to coincide with the Fourth of July festivities.
How did fireworks become a 4th of July tradition?
Fireworks displays have been a big part of Independence Day since the beginning. Founding Father John Adams foresaw it coming.
America’s Independence Celebration “should always be solemnized with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and lights, in a glamorous parade from one end of the continent to the other,” Adams said. wrote in a letter. Dated 3 July 1776 to his wife Abigail.
Fireworks have been around for centuries before America became a nation. According to the American Fireworks Association, many historians believe that fireworks were first developed in ancient China in the second century BC by throwing bamboo stalks into a fire, causing hollow air pockets to overheat and cause an explosion. It states that
By the 15th century, fireworks were widely used in religious festivals and public entertainment in Europe, according to the association, and early American settlers continued the tradition.
Has a president ever rejected a celebration?
From George Washington to Joe Biden, every president has celebrated Independence Day on July 4th, with one exception: Adams.
Aside from writing to his wife, Adams refused to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday because he felt that July 2nd was the true Independence Day. why? It was not until July 2, 1776, that the Continental Congress voted in favor of the resolution of independence, but he did not formally adopt the Declaration of Independence two days later.
Adams adamantly declined invitations to festivals and other events, even while serving as the second president. Ironically, Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, both died on his 4th July 1826, the 50th anniversary of the formal adoption of the document. rice field.
How popular are fireworks?
Consumer sales of fireworks have grown rapidly over the past two decades.
According to statistics from the Fireworks Association of America, American consumers spent $407 million on fireworks in 2000. By 2022, that amount he has increased to $2.3 billion. The biggest jump occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed public fireworks displays. Consumer sales soared from $1 billion in 2019 to $1.9 billion in 2020.
“People went to the fireworks stores as Memorial Day weekend began, but it didn’t stop,” said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Fireworks Association. “They were going off fireworks all through 2020. It shocked the industry, to be honest.”
Sales are expected to increase by another $100 million this year, according to the association. Independence Day is on a Tuesday, so effectively he gets a four-day weekend.
Are fireworks dangerous?
Despite extensive educational efforts, thousands of Americans are seriously injured by fireworks each year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 10,200 people will be treated in emergency rooms in 2022 and 11 deaths will be attributed to fireworks. About three-quarters of the injuries occurred in the period around Independence Day.
About a third of the injuries were to the head, face, ears and eyes. Injuries to fingers, hands and feet are also common.
“I’ve seen people with their fingers blown off,” said Dr. Tiffany Osborne, an emergency room doctor at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. “I’ve seen people without eyes. I’ve seen people with big scars on their faces.”
About a third of fireworks injuries are children under the age of 15. Sparklers are often cited as a cause of burns in children under the age of five, but Osborne suggested giving small children psyllium or colorful streamers instead.
Heckman advised those planning to launch fireworks to find a flat, hard, level surface away from structures and other potential sources of ignition. Those responsible for fireworks should refrain from drinking alcohol. Never allow children to light a fire.
Osborne recommended keeping buckets and hoses nearby in case of fire or explosion. Launch one shot at a time, leave immediately after ignition, and never relight or handle broken fireworks, she said. When you’re done, dig out the remains and soak them in water before disposing of them.
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