Everyone's favorite festive explosives have been around a lot longer than you think. 

Fireworks date back to ancient periods, first appearing in record in the second century B.C. from China. They've always been used in celebrations, but the early twentieth century is when people started getting really crazy with them. Look back at the folks who conceived their crazy designs, the workers who made them, and most importantly - what they looked like when they lit up the sky. 

Check out some truly mind-blowing, fiery displays of yesteryear.