Have you ever been at a fireworks rocket display and overheard someone talking about terms like ‘aerial shells’ or ‘brocade’ and wondered, “What do those even mean?”. Fireworks have their own set of glossary terms to describe the different effects and types, which can be confusing.
That’s why we’ve put together this A-Z glossary of common firework terms to help you make sense of the firework world, whether you’re a fireworks fan, hosting an event, or simply curious about firework terminology.
Brief Explanation of How Fireworks Work
Fireworks are made from three main parts: the shell, the chemicals inside and the ignition system. The shell contains a mix of chemicals, such as gunpowder and metal salts, which produce different colours and effects.Once the firework is lit, the fuse burns and ignites the chemicals inside the shell. This triggers an explosion and causes the fireworks to explode in the sky.
A-Z Glossary of Common Firework Terms
Now that you have a basic understanding of how fireworks work let’s dive deeper into the language used to describe them.
Our fireworks glossary will provide you with an easy to follow A-Z guide of common fireworks terms, helping you decode them.
A
· Aerial: Fireworks designed to launch upward into the sky before igniting.
B
· Aerial Shell: A type of firework that is launched into the air and bursts to create various effects
C
· Cake: A type of firework that releases several effects, one after the other
· Comet: A firework that shoots through the air with a sparkling tail
· Catherine wheel: A ground-based firework that spins in a circle and makes a spiral of sparks
· Crackle: A firework sound effect with a crackling or popping noise
· Crossette: A firework that breaks into smaller bursts that move in different ways
D
· Dahlia: A firework effect that creates a large, flower-like shape in the sky, resembling a dahlia
· Dud: A firework that fails to ignite or explode as expected
E
· Effects: The colours, sounds and shapes created by fireworks
· Ember: A small, glowing fragment left after a firework explosion
F
· Fountain: A firework that shoots out a burst of sparks in a fountain-like shape
· Fan cake: A firework that produces multiple bursts in a fan shape
· Fuse: A cord used to ignite a firework
· Firing system: A device used to control and launch fireworks safely
G
· Ground spinner: A firework that spins in circles on the ground
· Gunpowder: Explosive material inside fireworks that causes them to ignite
· Guy Fawkes: Historic figure associated with the Gunpowder plot
M
· Mine: A firework that explodes from the ground to create a large, colourful burst
· Mortar: The tube from which aerial shells are fired to launch fireworks into the sky
P
· Palm: A firework that bursts into a shape resembling a palm tree
· Peony: A type of firework effect that creates a round, peony-like flower shape
· Portfire: A long, slow-burning fuse used to ignite fireworks
R
· Rockets: A firework that is launched and shoots high into the sky
· Roman candle: A firework that shoots out a series of colourful bursts one at a time
S
· Sparklers: Hand-held fireworks that burn slowly and produce bright sparks when lit
· Sky lanterns: Paper lanterns that rise into the air, lifted by heat from a small flame inside
· Shell: A container filled with explosive materials and effects that is launched into the sky
· Selection box: A pre-packaged set of assorted fireworks, ideal for a DIY garden firework display.
· Silent firework: A firework that creates visual effects but makes little to no sound
· Star: Small pellets made of chemicals that create sparks and effects when ignited during a firework explosion
· Strobe: A firework effect that produces rapid flashes of light, like a strobe light
· Spinner: A firework that spins around on the ground, creating a trail of sparks
T
· Tail: The trail of sparks or light left behind by a firework as it moves through the air
W
· Whistles: A firework effect that creates a loud, high-pitched whistling sound
· Waterfall: A firework effect that looks like a shower of sparks falling down, resembling a waterfall
· Wheel: A ground-based firework that spins to create a colourful circular display
· Willow: A firework effect where sparks spread out in the sky, forming long dropping tails like a willow tree.
Tips for Choosing Fireworks for Your Event
Planning a fireworks display can be exciting, but selecting the right fireworks is crucial for ensuring a safe and stunning display. Here are four essential tips to help you make the best choice for your celebrations.
1. Consider the space: Think about how much space you have. If you’re working with limited space, choose effects that don’t rise too high, like ground-based fireworks or cakes. If you have a large, open space, you have more freedom to use bigger aerial shells or barrages that may cause hazardous finale projectile debris.
2. Know your audience: Consider who will be attending your event. Children may prefer quieter, safer options like sparklers or fountains, whereas adult guests may enjoy a more vibrant, loud show. Multi-shot firecrackers are not friendly to dogs.
3. Set a budget: Fireworks vary greatly in price, so setting a budget will help you pick the right options without overspending. For a tight budget, we recommend buying a pre-packaged fireworks assortment box.
4. Prioritize safety: Safety should always be a top priority. Know your safety fuses. Watch a firework safety video. Have a fallout plan for misfires. Choose fireworks that meet safety regulations and ensure aerials and novelties are suitable for your venue. Hazard fireworks may cause embers to start fires like an indoor firework would. Just don't!
Ignite your Firework Knowledge
With our fireworks glossary in hand, you’re ready to appreciate firework displays on a whole new trajectory. (Grab a roman candle to celebrate, salute pyro!) From the smallest sparkler flare to the grandest aerial shell bang, the magic of fireworks is even more exciting when you know the lingo! It adds to the novelty.
Ready to make your own fireworks display unforgettable? Check out our premium selection of fireworks to find the perfect options for your next celebration with A- Rocket Fireworks!! Enjoy the fireworks shows.
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