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A Catherine Wheel is a Firework that sits on a stick and spins around and around and produces colors.
Catherine Wheels are very popular in Great Britain. In other nations, it is sometimes better known as a pinwheel. The basic design of a Catherine wheel includes a hub on which to rotate, with explosives mounted to it. When ignited, the hub spins, throwing sparks and flame from the firework. Readers of the Harry Potter novels may be familiar with the Catherine wheel, as one runs rampant, an apparently not uncommon problem, during Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
The firework is named, oddly enough, for a Christian martyr. Catherine of Alexandria lived during the fourth century CE, and was by all accounts an uncommonly well educated woman. In addition to being well read, she participated in debates with leading members of society, and successfully converted many highly placed individuals to Christianity. As a result, she was condemned to "breaking on the wheel," a death which involved having one's limbs broken and threaded through an abundantly spiked wheel. The victim would succumb to his or her injuries, but only after several days. However, when Catherine touched the wheel, it broke, and she was beheaded instead.
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What things are named after Catherine of Alexandria?
St. Catherine's Monastery in Sinai, Mount St. Catherine in Egypt, and the Catherine Wheel firework are named after Catherine of Alexandria. She is also the patron saint of scholars, philosophers, and preachers.
What has a Catherine wheel or rocket?
Fireworks have catherine wheels and rockets.
What is the other name for fairground wheel?
Catherine Wheel
What is a Catherine wheel and a rocket?
Pyrotechnics
Who used the Catherine wheel?
everyone
What is the legend of the catherine wheel?
She died
What was the Catherine wheel originally used for?
It was originally named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was condemned to be tortured on a wheel and died in the year 307.
A Catherine wheel or a rocket is one?
Firework
What is Catherine wheel or a rocket?
A "Catherine wheel" is a pinwheeling fireworks display, so both it and some rockets are types of fireworks. Other than that, they are totally dissimilar.
What is the spike wheel that Saint Catherine broke?
Ths spiked wheel was an instrument or torture used by the Romans. Learn more about Catherine of Alexandris at the link below.
Which saint was tied to a wheel?
St. Catherine of Alexandria.
When did Saint Catherine of the Wheel die?
Saint Catherine of the Wheel, also known as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, is believed to have been martyred around 305 AD during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Maximinus II. However, the exact date of her death is not certain.
