The 7th century Chinese get all the credit for fireworks. Granted, they discovered them, developed them and perfected them, but 7th century Byzantine Greeks also had a hand in creating one of our most beloved combustible traditions—and to their credit, put it in our hands.
That flickering little stick we know and love as the “sparkler” sees its earliest origins from the wartime implement “Greek fire.” So closely guarded a secret were its exact components (developed by architect Callinicus Of Heliopolis), that the since-lost specifics of the concoction remains a matter of speculation. Inextinguishable by water, “Greek fire” was particularly useful in naval battle. (Wiki Says: “…in the original Byzantine sources it is called by a variety of names, such as “sea fire.”“)
Fortunately, today, should your sparkler get out of hand, tossing it into a bucket of H2O does the trick. Or drop it on some dew-damp grass. Really, it doesn’t take much. But how about sparklers poolside? Should something go wrong you know you’re safe. And image how divine the dancing reflections of delicate fire!
This year, as you count down to midnight, hearken back to the imagery of the sparkler’s earliest origins (replacing briny combat with chlorine swank—there’s music, bubbly, choco-dipped fresas, party favors…) at the Poolside Sparklers and S’Mores Party at Umalu. Reservations are not required, but resolutions are suggested. Ok. I added that last part.
{PRIO TO: There’s s’more fun to be had the Hyatt, but take a tip from Twain, who “made it a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time.“ However, if your rules must include multiple indulgences, it ought to do to smoke a cigar with an espresso drink in one hand and a cordial in the other. Especially if your double-fistin’ follows-up your selections from a special holiday selection of 20 wines-by-the-glass, along with a plated trio of artisan cheeses from Halona Kai Wine and Cheese Bar’s “Wine and Cheese by Starlight.” As clock counts down to 2010, so does it count down toward the end of this special holiday offering, which runs December 21st through 31st only, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.}
S’MO STUFFS:
First, mark your calendar for Naional S’mores Day, then learn how to make s’mores with the power of the sun. Hell, why not make some sparklers, while you’re at it. Though, I doubt pyrotechnics are as easy as campfire cooking, as even Diamond Sparklers–the last American sparkler manufacturer–doles out the recipe. Aparently, the Alan ‘ohana is not so concerned as that of Callinicus.