Fireworks Displays - How To Find A "Green Man"
** First some historyIn 1969 the publisher of a monthly newsletter, Max P. Vander Horck founded The Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) for fireworks enthusiasts. He opened up the membership lists in 1969. In 1974 a formal charter and bylaws were drawn up and the organisation is now known as PGI Inc.
** OK, So What About The Green Men?
The earliest known recorded recipes for gunpowder or black powder were written in a military manuscript compiled in 1044 in China. However in the 17th century John Bate published a fireworks book in England. The following interesting piece of history can be found on the PGI website.
According to the the website John Bate wrote his fireworks treatise in 1635.Ò This treatise symbolized the long tradition of fireworks displays as part of the processions found at festivals and celebrations. At the head of these processions were men carrying fireworks in the form of hand held fire clubs emitting sparks. To protect themselves from these flying sparks they covered themselves with fresh leaves from trees. They were the original ò€˜Green Men".
Today this Green Man symbol forms part of the PGI emblem and many PGI members may still refer to each other as "Green men".
Handel Composed Fireworks Music In 1717
For those interested in classical music ò€“ think of Handel`s ò€˜Royal Fireworks Suite" composed in 1717 for a such a festival with fireworks displays. This was in England and for sure the Green Men were there.
A wise grasshopper once said - it"s not easy being green ò€“ but being a "Green Man" member of PGI can only be a blast!
To be a fireworks hobbyist you need not cover yourself in green leaves for protection. Much more efficient types of safety gear and procedures have been developed.
Any fireworks hobbyist should pay serious attention to these safety guidelines before starting fireworks projects.