The 12 Kinds Of Fireworks You'll Probably Encounter This July 4th
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).