Remember, Remember the Fifth of November

In 1605, on this very day in the early hours of the morning, a bearded man named Guy Fawkes was brought before King James I and tried for treason. Fawkes was infamously taking part in an failed assassination attempt known as the Gunpowder Plot, this in which a group of English Catholics planned to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. (Sound familiar? Guy Fawkes's persona was used in the popular movie V for Vendetta starring Natalie Portman.)

Each year since, on the anniversary of the failed assassination, the English celebrate the King's escape from death and give thanks for the joy of deliverance. The night, known as Guy Fawkes Night and Bonfire Night, usually is celebrated by large bonfires in which effigies of Guy Fawkes or other publicly hated figures are burned. (Although, oddly enough, Fawkes was not burned in a bonfire, but died while trying to flee the gallows where he was to be hung.) Fireworks, incidentally, have also become part of tradition.

The following is a popular rhyme telling the tale of the Fifth of November:

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent

To blow up the King and Parli'ment.

Three-score barrels of powder below

To prove old England's overthrow;

By God's providence he was catch'd

With a dark lantern and burning match.

Holla boys, Holla boys, let the bells ring.

Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!

And what should we do with him? Burn him!

There happens to be a proper Guy Fawkes bonfire tomorrow night in nearby Christchurch. The guys and are going to get some Roman candle fireworks and join the festivities. I'll let you know how it goes! I love fireworks and bonfires so this holiday is right up my alley!


^^^This is an example of a traditional Guy Fawkes dummy that would be paraded in town before begin burned on the bonfire. (Seems kind of harsh, right?! But the English didn't start the ghoulish Halloween celebrations like Americans until long after 1605, hence Guy Fawkes Night was their naughtiest holiday for a long time.)

♡ - Kristen