Abstract: A hand protector includes a cup open at a bottom end and of the size to admit a hand, a handle within the compass of said cup, the handle being of a size to be grasped by the hand, the handle being hollow for at least part of its length, with an open mouth opening through an otherwise closed top end of the cup, and a plug of pliable material in the mouth. The pliable material is of a consistency and axial length such as to receive and removably to hold the stem of a pyrotechnic device, such as a sparkler or punk stick, or even a long match.