On November 5 in the year 1605, England held a celebration for the opening of Parliament. Guy Fawkes, in protest over the Protestant leadership's treatment of Catholics, conspired to ignite a revolution by using gunpowder to blow up the building. Oh, and he wanted to include in his great bonfire, the Royal Family. As kindling.
There was probably a more diplomatic way to spark a protest, but what do I know? I didn't live then, so I can't really say if this was a last resort effort to get someone to listen. I know as a wife and mom, one may take desperate measures to fire up those around her.
Unfortunately for Mr. Fawkes he was caught before he could destroy Parliament and now, over 400 years later we celebrate his determination (to end the torturing and hangings of Catholics) by having a grand bonfire and fireworks complete with a burning effigy of the ill-fated chap.
What's not to understand?
I think for most, bonfire night means refueling friendships by having a little outdoor party with drink and music.Remember, remember the fifth of November, The gunpowder treason and plot, I know of no reason Why the gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.
For my kids, it means fireworks and cheesy light up toys.
For me, it's a little macabre when they throw Guy on the barbie, made worse by watching children happily dragging their Guy Fawkes effigy up for consideration in a contest just before throwing him into the bonfire.
If you're feeling a little deja vu-ey, you're o.k. I did write about this last year and had pictures to share, but this year it's just me and the kids and the hubby in our cozy house.
Don't worry, we're not protesting. We like a good effigy burning as much as anyone, our bonfire is just on another night.
Good times, people. Living here is a blast (sorry, I couldn't help myself).
i can think of some people I wouldn't mind burning in effigy.
ReplyDeleteMy mother swears we're distant relatives (her maiden name is Fox). The story goes his descendants fled England, changed their name to Fox, settled in the West Virginia area, voila, distant relatives.
ReplyDeleteI'm not buying it.
It was great fun when she told the kids this story a year or two after 9-11 and my kids, not understanding, went to school and told everyone we were related to terrorists. Not good.
Not that I don't appreciate putting an end to the burning and hanging of Catholics (I am Catholic after all), but that seems a smidge extreme. But who am I to say? ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a cozy night at home!
You know they used to do the same to witches in Salem, right? LOL
ReplyDeleteLOVE your posts, alway. You're a riot
You're very kind, Alix especially considering I've hit the blathering stage in only day 5 of a 30 day post writing marathon. Thank you!
ReplyDeletePM--your blog is private now, right? I'd love to hear more :-)
That's really funny!
ReplyDeleteahem..lovely holiday...cough
ReplyDeleteWell...some of it sounds nice at least. That effigy thing is just a little troubling though. HA! :D
Despite the oddness of the effigy burning, this is one of my favourite nights of the year. Wrapped up warm, with family and friends around a fire, watching fireworks.
ReplyDeleteIt's completely great.
By the way, Peaches really likes the tree and spots on your blog.
We don't have G.Fawkes in Ireland, only boring old Halloween...
ReplyDeletewoah...that's a little crazy! but kind of funny too! :)
ReplyDeletei hope that you have/had fun on GF day----we've got a girl in our ward from the UK and she's celebrating big time tonight----they're throwing a party for all us state-siders up the foothills with a bonfire a food and everything yummy
ReplyDeletejust wish that we could go and have fun too (my in-laws are in town this weekend....dinner with them tongith instead of buring GF)
I find this to be hysterical... At what point did you think you were traveling thru the "Twilight Zone"???? And when are your kids going to get in on the fun?? Hahahaha..
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see Guy Fawkes Day once before I die!
ReplyDelete