Wednesday, November 5, 2008

It's Guy Fawke's Night!




HISTORY OF GUY FAWKES/BONFIRE NIGHT


"Remember remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason

Should ever be forgot... "

Growing up in England held so many memories for me. Nothing stands out more than this day! November 5th....Guy Fawke's night!

HISTORY OF GUY FAWKE'S
Words of "Remember Remember" refer to Guy Fawkes with origins in 17th century English history. On the 5th November 1605 Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellars of the Houses of Parliament with several dozen barrels of gunpowder. Guy Fawkes was subsequently tried as a traitor with his co-conspirators for plotting against the government. He was tried by Judge Popham who came to London specifically for the trial from his country manor Littlecote House in Hungerford, Gloucestershire. Fawkes was sentenced to death and the form of the execution was one of the most horrendous ever practised (hung ,drawn and quartered) which reflected the serious nature of the crime of treason.

The Tradition begins...The following year in 1606 it became an annual custom for the King and Parliament to commission a sermon to commemorate the event. Lancelot Andrewes delivered the first of many Gunpowder Plot Sermons. This practice, together with the nursery rhyme, ensured that this crime would never be forgotten! Hence the words " Remember , remember the 5th of November" The poem is sometimes referred to as 'Please to remember the fifth of November'. It serves as a warning to each new generation that treason will never be forgotten. In England the 5th of November is still commemorated each year with fireworks and bonfires culminating with the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes (the guy). The 'guys' are made by children by filling old clothes with crumpled newspapers to look like a man. Tradition allows British children to display their 'guys' to passers-by and asking for " A penny for the guy".



The movie "V for Vendetta" was inspired by this moment in time!




MY FAMILY...
We would always make a huge bonfire in the garden, and put a stuffed man on the top. It was tradition. I miss it very much. Everyone used to get together and wait for it to get dark so we could light the bonfire!
You can read more about this event below.

9 comments:

Movie Star Wife said...

That sounds like so much fun. If I didn't live in the city I would have a bonfire tonight!

Are you sure it isn't Forks? Just teasing.

-Sir Jack said...

Yeah! Bonfire Night!!
Let's make s'mores too!! *winks*
Thanks for the flamin' blog Vix!!

M said...

Vix, I spent some time in London in college; I was studying British history. One lovely fall weekend, I decided to head to where the Battle of Hastings was. It was Guy Fawkes Night, but I really had no idea Battle was such a well-known bonfire spot. Oh, man, what a surprise! And a parade to boot! That was one of the Coolest Nights Of My Whole Life! Someday I'm going to make it back just for that (if they still have a big one there!)

Robbi said...

Very interesting!!

Should have been at my house today...
I had a good fire going most of the day...
To bad I did not see this earlier or I would have made alittle man to put in it!heehee!!!

Thank's for the History!!!

Christine said...

Thanks Vix. I wasn't aware of this story. I'm so glad you shared it along with your childhood memories.

I wish I had a place to do a bonfire, but the area I live in doesn't allow it.

shakenbsis said...

We don't get to burn here either... bums me out, i love fires!

Thansk for sharing this Doc, I had some idea of Guy Fawkes, but it was mostly NOT TRUE!!!

very interesting bit of history...

Yours and Englands!

Osh said...

can I tell you again how much I love having a Brit for one of my very bestest chums? I LOVE YOU!

Blaznfire911 said...

Awwww Love you too Osh!

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