In this feature, pull back the wrapping on a typical aerial display shell and see what it looks like before its glorious denouement in the dark. Click on the labels at left to learn more about them.

Maui police recently seized 107 pounds of aerial fireworks, 95 mortar shells and 40,610 firecrackers that were being shipped from the Mainland to Maui through the U.S. Postal Service. In the boxes ...