A blast or a dud? Tradition influences fireworks feelings / LJWorld.com

Archive for Saturday, July 4, 2009

Photo by John Henry. Journal-World File Photo. Enlarge photo.

For many people, memories of family customs hold strong for the Fourth of July.

July 4, 2009

Fireworks downtown this Fourth

The annual fireworks display returns to downtown Lawrence this July Fourth. Enlarge video

Your family history might determine whether you can’t wait for the local fireworks show or you can’t wait for July 4 to end.

“Holidays are times that bring out the most traditional side of people,” said Richard Harris, a Kansas State University psychology professor.

For many people, memories of family customs hold strong for the Fourth of July — as they do for Christmas and Thanksgiving.

“They go back to wanting to do those things as adults. If they remember shooting off fireworks or going to fireworks, that is likely going to be something they are going to want to do (now),” Harris said.

Americans were celebrating the Fourth of July with citywide firework displays a year after the Declaration of Independence was signed.

For people with thrill-seeking tendencies, setting off fireworks can offer an even greater attraction, Harris said.

Mary Cain, a K-State associate professor of psychology, agrees.

Cain researches whether an animal’s genetic or chemical makeup will make it more likely to be a risk-taker.

“In living people we are starting to see some neurochemical markers for risk-taking and impulsivity,” Cain said. “Now whether or not they are lighting off more fireworks, I don’t know. But I would guess they are because they are taking risks in a lot of other areas.”

While humans have been enthralled with fireworks for more than 200 years, the patriotic act has probably been driving their pets crazy for just as long.

Loud booms and flashing lights can be particularly stressful for dogs.

Midge Grinstead, executive director of the Lawrence Humane Society, recommends keeping pets inside during firework displays. She leaves her dogs in a safe room with their favorite toys, a blanket and the television on, and puts a sign on the door warning guests that scared dogs are on the other side. Owners should also be sure their pets are wearing tags, in case they do get out.

“You just need to watch them closely,” Grinstead said.

Discussion

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4 July 2009
at 1:25 p.m.

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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…

I never did fireworks in my life until last year when for the first time the family was together here in Lawrence and we shot off fireworks and some of the neighbors came to watch.
I instantly fell in love with them.
5 July 2009
at 1:38 a.m.

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lmn (Anonymous) says…

So, you're saying you shot off fireworks in the city limits? I do believe you've said on other threads that you'd call the police if you ever saw anyone doing anything illegal. Ha! It seems as if you DO pick and choose which laws are worthy of following.