Buzz
Fireworks are known by far more technical terms than casual descriptions like 'The Shooty Ones' or 'The Sparkly Ones.' Before your next fireworks show, here's a quick guide to the types of fireworks you might encounter.
1. Peony
The peony is defined as 'a spherical burst of colored stars.' This effect is a staple at fireworks displays and is one of the most commonly seen and beloved types.
2. Chrysanthemum
A close relative of the peony, the chrysanthemum features concentric spheres that create a stunning display of spark trails across the night sky.
3. Willow
Similar to the peony and its variants like the Dahlia, the willow is a large firework that produces cascading trails of silver or gold stars, resembling the graceful shape of a weeping willow tree.
4. Horsetail
The horsetail is a small, dense burst that descends in a manner resembling a horse's tail. It is also commonly known as a Waterfall Shell.
5. Fish
As the firework shell explodes, tiny wriggling streaks of light scatter outward, creating an effect that mimics fish darting away in all directions.
6. Spider
The spider ignites quickly and bursts with intensity, sending stars shooting outward in straight, flat lines, resembling the multiple legs of a spider.
7. Palm
A palm firework creates long, dense trails of light that resemble the fronds of a palm tree when it explodes.
8. Crossette
Imagine multiple tic-tac-toe grids intersecting randomly—this is similar to the pattern of a crossette firework. It often comes with a distinctive crackling sound.
9. Kamuro
Inspired by a traditional Japanese boys' haircut, the kamuro produces a dense explosion followed by a shimmering, glittering trail.
10. Rings
Pyrotechnic designers have endless creative possibilities with this effect. Rings can take on various forms, such as stars, smiley faces, or hearts, often featuring intricate designs like rings within rings.
