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How to Make Beautiful and Historic Japanese Sparklers

Toys from the 1800s are still mesmerizing today.

Practice makes perfect. Sometimes that practice takes a few days or weeks, sometimes it takes a few years. In the case of YouTuber Nighthawkinlight, searching for the perfect recipe for 'Senko Hanabi' sparklers, it took some ten years. Fortunately he's sharing what he learned so it doesn't need to take you nearly as long. Vaigai Sparklers

How to Make Beautiful and Historic Japanese Sparklers

Senko Hanabi sparklers date back to Japan's Edo period, from the 1600s through the late 1800s. Literally translated as "incense stick firework," these toys had origins in the incense burning associated with Buddhist funerals. With more meditative roots than many other forms of fireworks, Senko Hanabi are both beautiful and calming.

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Of course, one need not meditate with fireworks to find them beautiful. You can also launch them during the day and get similarly unique results.

David Grossman is a staff writer for PopularMechanics.com. He's previously written for The Verge, Rolling Stone, The New Republic and several other publications. He's based out of Brooklyn.

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