Independence Day is around the corner! Here are five facts about the traditions surrounding the holiday.
The Fourth of July is Americana at its core: parades and cookouts and cold beer and, of course, fireworks.
But across the burgeoning nation, observations didn't become commonplace until after the War of 1812. It quickly took off: The Library of Congress notes that major historic events in the 19th century, such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities.The display of pyrotechnics has been a big part of Independence Day from the outset. Founding Father John Adams saw it coming.
By the 15th century, fireworks were widely used for religious festivals and public entertainment in Europe and early U.S. settlers carried on those traditions, the association said.Presidents from George Washington to Joe Biden have celebrated the nation's birth on the Fourth of July, with one exception: Adams.
Statistics from the American Pyrotechnics Association show that in 2000, American consumers spent $407 million on fireworks. By 2022, that figure rose to $2.3 billion. The biggest jump came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when public fireworks displays were shut down. Consumer sales jumped from $1 billion in 2019 to $1.9 billion in 2020.
About one-third of the injuries were to the head, face, ears or eyes. Finger, hand and leg injuries are common, too.
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