THE GREATEST MAGICIANS have something to learn from Mr. Mistoffelees’ Conjuring Turn – PRESTO! KABOOM! FIZ! SWOOSH! Life is such a grand symphony. And if there is one thing that is staple in her complex masterpiece is that “explosive” overture with a pyrotechnic display to marvel with. It’s a feast for the eyes, and that’s all that there is to it.
Living in the 21st century, we have come to orient ourselves with the norm of greeting the first day of the new year with a blast, often characterized by unbelievable degrees of dissonance. Dissonance? Yes—that’s the accurate term we should use. Because how would you begin to categorize an occurrence as harmonious with only discordance on hand? But though ironic as it may sound, fireworks are seen in a positive light across cultures, including ours.
…although its very nature is not intended to emit distress, the same cannot be said that vivid lights are all that it is.
China, the original inventor and now the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks throughout the globe, saw that vibrant explosion as a means for dispelling away evil spirits in order to welcome the new year with prosperity. Our country does not stray away from that belief. The show of fireworks remained primary in, mostly, important events—like fiestas, [religious] festivals, the new year, and the like—in an effort to radiate joy and a sense of accomplishment; and although its very nature is not intended to emit distress, the same cannot be said that vivid lights are all that it is. Fireworks are literally more than what meets the eye.
Beyond their glimmering lights, common fireworks are packed with lead, copper, and other toxins which would make up for its vibrant color at the expense of damaging both the human cells and animal lungs. Gunpowder is also present, thus causing it to explode—which might not seem all that pretty, if you ask me.
Take the case of a recent news story last January 2 where a 38-year-old man from the Ilocos Region unfortunately reached his sudden demise after lighting a cigarette near firecrackers that’ve been stowed away. In addition to that, it was also reported that the Department of Health (DOH) in region two recorded 18 additional fireworks-related injuries in the Cagayan Valley, thus bringing to a total of 443 number of cases since the agency began its monitoring on December 21, 2023.
Not only humans are affected by this mess. Animals, particularly dogs, suffer a great deal with this show of lights. The sudden explosion and noise that came right after the display would send animals’ heart rates soaring, triggering a panic response and a desire to flee, which might result in road accidents. Furthermore, pyrotechnics would also add to the growing stress levels of our furry friends, and quite possibly irreversible hearing loss.
Following the narrative, fireworks would also emit heat and shouting, hearts fully pounding, and eyes that are burning. And then suddenly, in a snap, everything would become quiet. Like how fireworks would lose their colors in a second or two, all the fun and fervor would fade away after a mere display and a grand explosion. Some have suggested that the danger of fireworks lies in her uncertainties; and true enough, judging by how many accidents have occurred because of its ambiguous after-effects, there are some that’ve unfortunately remained forever in silence.
Living in a complex symphony that is life, wouldn’t it be better to establish a melodic prelude than a roaring one? A fruitful reminder of how sweet life would be at the company of someone reminding you of your value in this masterpiece? Yes, fireworks are a sight to behold, but what better way to celebrate life than to open our hearts, embrace others, and spread that spectacular sight of love, peace, joy, and hope this 2024 onwards—now, wouldn’t that be an occurrence akin to an explosion of lights?
Oh! Well, I never! Was there ever a cat so clever as magical Mr. Mistoffelees?