Fireworks Trivia Quiz

Answer: bamboo

One legend tells that a Chinese chef mixed saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal and when placed on the fire, this created a colorful flame. When he tried to burn the same inside a bamboo shoot, it exploded with a loud noise. There are other Chinese legends that tell the story of the discovery of gunpowder and fireworks. Fireworks were gradually included in Chinese daily life to be used for fun, to ward off evil, weddings, and victory celebrations, etc.

Answer: He wrote in code.

Bacon wrote chapters 9, 10 and 11 of "De mirabili potestate artis et naturae" in anagram. A quote found in the anagram text reads: "You may find (by actual experiment) whether I am writing riddles to you or the plain truth."

One account states that H. W. L. Hime, a Lieutenant-Colonel, solved the puzzle and decoded the anagram, as detailed in his book "Gunpowder and Ammunition".

Answer: Fire Master of England

It wasn't until King James II (1633-1701) that the firemaster was knighted for his services in creating the fireworks display for the coronation.

Answer: green men

According to some accounts, the term "green man", as utilized here, dates back to the 1530s. The name described the men dressed in soot and leaves that protected them from the sparks and flares of the fireworks. Some firemasters today continue the tradition of the name.

Answer: Treatise on Fireworks

The book became a standard text for fireworks makers. The text concentrated on the creation of the display rather than the manufacture of the devices. The title is also listed as "Treatise of Fireworks for Celebration".

Answer: War of the Austrian Succession

Many nations were engaged in this war: France, Prussia, Spain, Bavaria, Saxony, Naples and Sicily, Genoa, Sweden, Great Britain, British America, New France. In North America it became known as King George's War.

Unfortunately, though the music was received with enthusiasm, the celebration did not proceed as planned when a bas relief of George II collapsed in flames.

Answer: Catherine

These displays could be very elaborate and take weeks to construct before the they were lit. There were many parts created to spin, seesaw, and create other visual effects. Until the 1800s only gold, silver and orange fireworks could be created, so the display incorporated other focal points with movement.

Guinness World Records for the largest wheels have been set by a 25.95m (85ft) wheel in the UK and a 32m (105ft) wheel in Malta.

Answer: July 4, 1777

Independence day is celebrated on the anniversary of Congressional approval of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776. There was no celebration on the day of the signing, it was started on the first anniversary in 1777. There is some historical dispute as to whether or not it was actually signed that day or in August, but the holiday stands.

July 2 was the date of the approval of a resolution of independence. April 30, 1789 was the inaugural of George Washington, and fireworks were exhibited.

Answer: Italy

It was found that adding strontium turned the fireworks red, barium gave off a green color, copper burned blue, and sodium produced a yellow colored display. In addition, they also discovered during this time period how to make the fireworks burn brighter by better purifying magnesium and aluminum.

Answer: fireworks launched with compressed air

The original displays were set off by hand, touching each of the fuses with a flare. The displays have been choreographed since the 1960s. The launches with compressed air reduce both air and noise pollution as well as providing better accuracy in height and timing.