Fireworks have been used for hundreds of years to help mark a celebration or moment in time – dating back further than you’d think!
With Casumo releasing a ‘spot the sparklers’ image puzzle, it got us thinking about where and when we normally spot fireworks shooting up high into the skies above, and wanting to know more about the laws surrounding fireworks that many don’t know.
Curious? Scroll to read on and find out more.
Firework laws
Buying Fireworks
Have you ever wondered why you don’t see fireworks being displayed in shops all year round? Well, it’s the law that you can only buy fireworks, including sparklers, from registered sellers for private use between 15 October to 10 November, 26 to 31 December and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year.
You can purchase other times throughout the year, but only from licensed shops and sellers.
Time limits
The law states that you cannot set off any fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am, except for certain occasions such as New Year’s Eve.
Age limit
Just like the sale of alcohol and other such things, those under the age of 18 cannot be sold fireworks of any kind.
Times you typically see fireworks
Weddings
Used to not only mark the special occasion and for the photographer to capture stunning night-time photographs of the newlyweds, but fireworks are also seen at weddings to provide alternative entertainment to guests – that doesn’t involve a dancefloor.
Of course, before arranging a firework display for a wedding, the couple would have to be granted permission from the venue management, as some venues are not permitted to have any fireworks of any kind, due to the surrounding areas, including those close to stables and dog rehoming centres.
A fun fact for you – the first use of fireworks in the UK noted in history, was actually used to mark the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486.
Diwali
Fireworks are said to have been first used to celebrate Diwali around 1400 AD. Now, in the UK, those that celebrate the festival of lights, tend to mark the celebrations with colourful fireworks, bangers, firecrackers and sparklers, either at professionally organised events and venues, or with their nearest and dearest at home.
New Year’s Eve
It’s become a tradition for most residents of the UK to either – gather at midnight to watch the televised fireworks display happening along the Thames with friends and family, head down to the Thames and watch it in person, visit a local fireworks display or set a few fireworks off in your own garden to mark the new year.
However, not many know the tradition of setting off fireworks to mark and celebrate the start of a new calendar year is actually believed to have begun in ancient Egypt, where they would in fact light and set off fireworks to ward off any evil spirits, allowing only good to follow into the new year.
—
Do you use fireworks to mark a celebration?
