History of fireworks and the science behind how they create colourful patterns in the sky

The first firecrackers were invented in China around 200 BC. People back then would light up bamboo stalks to make a loud crackling noise. Eventually, the air inside the stalks would explode.

Hundreds of years later, around AD 800. Chinese chemists put gunpowder into the bamboo shoots and tossed them into a fire pit to create bigger explosions. They believed this would scare away demons.

In the 1830s, people in Italy used metal and explosives to make colourful fireworks.

Now, people around the world use fireworks for special holidays and festivals, such as Easter Sunday, New Year’s Eve and countries’ birthdays.

Hong Kong celebrates National Day with a fireworks show every October 1. This year will be the first extravaganza in five years and will portray eight scenes designed to boost hope.