The 12 Kinds Of Fireworks You'll Probably Encounter This July 4th
WATCH YOUR FINGERS, KIDS!
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Ahhh, fireworks: the classic American pastime that's outright banned in three states, restricted in several others, and practiced on YouTube by an alarmingly high number of small children. Lighting off a pack of pure Chinese innovation is the perfect way to celebrate America's birth, and Digg's got you covered with a handy guide on how to distinguish one clump of bright lights and loud noises from another.

Peony

When you picture "fireworks" in your head, this is probably the mental image that you conjure up. No tails, no trails, just pure crackly, sparkly, globe-shaped bliss.

 

Girandola

These wheel-like fireworks spin rapidly up into the air, shooting off sprays of sparks and sometimes emitting a high-pitched whistle

 

Chrysanthemum

Similar to the peony-style firework, the chrysanthemum features a scattering of bright stars which burn out to several faded trails. Keep an eye for the pistil: that's the name of the colorful burst right in the center.

 

Beehive/Flying Fish

These flurries of colorful stars resemble the frantic swarm-like movements of an angered bee colony or school of fish. Can't say that the name isn't accurate.

 

Willow

The bright stars in these fireworks burn out to distinctively long cascades of smoke and particles, visually similar to the lanky branches found on the tree of the same name.

 

Comet

These bright spheres shoot upward and leave behind a thick glittery trail. They usually look best spread out in a row, as a prelude to a larger effect.

 

Parachute

When a parachute firework explodes, it releases a literal miniature parachute into the air…usually attached to the plastic shoulders of a tiny green army guy.

 

Crosette

A crosette is like the firework equivalent of planarian reproduction: a comet splits into two at the apex of its launch, and boom, you've got a crosette.

 

Skyrocket

The effect at the end of a skyrocket isn't as notable as its launch: a signature trail of sparks and cylindrical body is what sets this firework apart from the rest.

 

Roman candle

Roman candle: Don't let fun. fool you: Roman candles might look awesome, but their steady stream of upward shooting sparks doesn't exactly make lighting them a date night-friendly activity.

 

Pearls

These little orbs of color shoot high and fade away quickly, and work well as part of a cake — that's a fancy name for a fireworks formation — or larger compilation.

 

Palm

Because of their sparkling trails in the shape of palmetto leaves, these fireworks are named for the state tree of Florida (even if the electric colors make this "tree" seem more akin to Las Vegas).

 Phantom Fireworks

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