History Of Balloons

We have seen balloons everywhere when there is a celebration going on, especially during birthdays. Every birthday party has this decoration of balloons and ribbon’s. Since childhood, we have seen our parents buying balloons firsts when it is your birthday. But have you ever given a thought, where these balloons came from? Who invented them? Actually, no…. None of us cared about this and simply enjoys it the way it is being introduced. Let us see the history of balloons.

The word balloon is originated from the French word, “balloon” which signifies huge ball. However, it means the same in Latin as well. In old German “Balla” is referred as ball and thus it gave origin to the work Balloon. Earlier balloons were made out of animal intestines, which are dried, and also from the bladder. Clown or buffoon have also been used for entertainment.

The balloon was first discovered by Bartolomen De Gusman. He made its first appearance during Exhibition in Lisbon. However, it is also believed that the scientist Micheal Faraday invented first rubber balloons in 1824. He filled those balloons with hydrogen gas, which were named as caoutchouc.

When the rubber balloon was discovered it was filled with hydrogen gas, but later on it was found that that this gas is highly flammable and hence it was replaced with the Helium gas. This gas is nontoxic and inflammable. However, it was later found that it is the best option to replace.

After this invention, there was the new discovery of foil balloons in 1970s.  Aluminum plastic films were more durable and less permeable. Thus, with this special material the balloon was introduced keeping the gas in it. This balloon was more flexible than the rubber balloon.

Thus, then after there came many new varieties of balloons,  which are more durable than the earlier version.