Why sparks fly on July 4

 

Ever wondered why fireworks are used to celebrate Independence Day? I did. It’s a nod to the muskets that were fired, bonfires lit and shouts that rang out in celebration of the Declaration’s first readings in public.

Surprisingly fireworks didn’t become a standard part of the festivities “until after 1816″ says LiveScience, when there was no longer a need for the undoubtedly expensive task of importing them. As Americans began to manufacture them on their own soil, fireworks became more accessible.

According to their article, we actually celebrated the very first Independence Day at different times throughout the country and not simultaneously on July 4. It could be anything “from days to weeks”after the iniitial signing, depending on whereabouts in the US you lived, that the Declaration’s contents reached your town’s ears.

News didn’t travel fast around the country in 1776 and spreading the word to each corner from State to State was a lengthy and time consuming process. Often relied upon were churches and town hall meetings to share the good news with their local communities.

Live Science also notes interestingly that another date might have been a better choice for the festivities. Two Congress members had actually signed it 48 hours before, with the majority following on from there.

On July 2, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, signed only by Charles Thompson (the secretary of Congress) and John Hancock (the presiding officer). Two days later Congress approved the revised version and ordered it to be printed and distributed to the states and military officers. The other signatures would have to wait.

The official celebration date will always be the 4th of July. John Adam’s reportedly hoped back then of anniversaries in the years ahead reflecting the July 2 beginnings rather than the July 4 approval.

What happened though was the very first anniversary was more or less forgotten until July 3. With it being too late to do anything but celebrate the following day, what else could they do?  July 4 became Independence Day’s official date in everyone’s mind  for organized festivities from that day forward.

Enjoy your fireworks, food and fun! Here at Posting Beez we all wish you a very Happy Independence Day.