EXPLOSIONS!!!

What is our fascination with blowing things up? I understand the interest in fire but when the Chinese created fireworks, all hell broke loose.

Fireworks were originally invented in medieval China in the 9th century to scare away evil spirits. Such important events and festivities as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival were and still are times when fireworks are guaranteed sights. China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world. Modern skyrocket fireworks were invented in the early 20th century.

Every year, about this time, I worry who in the neighborhood will want to cause an explosion and a flash of light to celebrate the holiday of independence. Even the national anthem asks if the flag was still there?

“O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

Normally if there are gunshots or bombs falling and explosions we tend to run and hide; on this holiday we stand amazed at the noise and smoke and flashing lights. This display of pyrotechnics has become a part of every concert, sports event, political rally and certainly every movie and television show. If you didn’t have fireworks at you’re wedding, then hopefully on the honeymoon?

No other animal that I know of like ‘explosions’ or loud noises. They all scurry away until peace is at hand.

Last year I sat on the porch listening to firework displays from the east and the north and the west and pondered of those who sat in the same spot many years ago listening to battles surrounding them.

Tomorrow the hose will be turned on in case a neighbor decides to get too patriotic and try to burn down Puppywoods.