Are fireworks appropriate for sad occasions too?

A display from the Hannover International Firework Competition

We all know that fireworks are a fantastic way to celebrate, which is why they are so popular at weddings, landmark birthdays and on special dates like Bonfire Night, Christmas and of course, New year. Their exuberance, colour and brightness has a vivacity and a lust for life that makes them ideal for happy occasions and joyous celebrations – to put it simply, fireworks speed up our pulse rates and make us feel good.

However, there are other occasions in which people choose to use fireworks a little differently, in ways that you might find surprising. It is becoming increasingly common to choose fireworks as a way of making a very powerful and public expression of emotion and remembrance – such as following the death of a loved one.

Celebrating a life

Opinion is divided on whether fireworks are the appropriate medium to mark the passing of a close friend or family member. Some may disagree, but many people find that using fireworks to celebrate the life of an individual can be the most positive way to remember them.

A recent report in Pembrokeshire in Wales demonstrates this in a very poignant way, as the story tells of over 350 people who gathered to watch a fireworks display organised in tribute to a 17-year-old boy, Morgan Power, who lost his life in a road accident near Swansea. Mourners including Morgan’s former classmates, family and friends gathered in unexpectedly large numbers in Milford Haven to watch the fireworks, the symbolism of which was summed up perfectly by a tribute to Morgan left on social media:

 “Made lots of good memories together in work and in college. You always managed to lighten up the darkest and coldest mornings.”

Remembrance is a very personal thing, and it’s up to the bereaved to decide how best to mark, mourn and celebrates the passing of a loved one. It may have even been a request of the deceased, that people celebrate their lives rather than dwell on the sadness of their passing.

Some people also believe that having a positive celebration that honours a person’s life, achievements and the difference they made to others who loved them can help with the grieving process, making mourners feel grateful for having known the person rather than unable to cope with the loss.

Practical considerations

Fireworks may not always be appropriate in all environments, such as in public places of mourning – where it is more than likely to be illegal to set them off anyway. If you want to commemorate and pay tribute to someone you have lost, the best place to do it is at a private wake on private property, making sure you have enough room to hold the display safely and that you follow all local authority rules and regulations. Ensure you warn the neighbours of your plans in advance, and invite them to the event if you feel it appropriate.