Given that it’s Friday before the Fourth of July, I decided to highlight FIREWORKS and the FOURTH, of July.  I did a little bit of research and found quite a bit of history on fireworks in general.  Did you know they existed in some form as far back as 200 BC? History tells us they were invented in China and have been used extensively for aesthetic, cultural and religious purposes.

I learned that John Adams wanted us to commemorate Independence Day by setting off fireworks.  Reportedly, before signing the declaration of Independence, he envisioned fireworks as part of the festivities.  In a letter to Abigail Adams on July 3,1776, he wrote that the occasion should be commemorated “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews (what are shews? I have no idea…), Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more.” The first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4th, 1777.  

I took that quote directly out of wikipedia but see more on the history of fireworks in the following links:

http://www.pyrouniverse.com/history.htm

http://www.history.com/news/fireworks-vibrant-history

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks

So what are y’all doing for your fourth of July weekends and festivities?  

As for me, it will be a quiet and peaceful day. I am cooking (well sort of as my husband usually does most of it and I focus on making my two “patriotic” pies-blueberry and mixed berry) and spending the evening with some of my family.

I wish you all a wonderful 4th of July Holiday with many celebratory, friendly and safe explosions of any and all kinds!!!