Remember, remember the fifth of November! – Guy Fawkes Night
Blog — By Zuzanna on October 31, 2009 at 12:30 amFire - there’s something magical about it. The warm feeling we get from the hypnotizing view of iridescent golden and scarlet shades, pulsating flames. People always gather around it, whether the fire is small or big, to share in the warmth and light. It plays a critical role during mystical rites and important events. Fire is also symbol of destruction and disaster. Europeans remember from their history about witches burnt at the stake, and Australians are threatened every year with bush fires across the country.
Fireworks – spectacular! A good fireworks display can really take my breath away. The variety of colours and shapes across the dark sky and vibrating sounds gives a truly amazing and exciting experience.
Bonfire Night – commemorates the unsuccessful attempt to blow up the British Houses of Parliament in 1605. The plot was hatched by distressed English catholic conspirators who wanted to start an uprising against King James I. The name Guy Fawkes comes from the man who was caught in the act. The story is remembered by lighting fireworks and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes in bonfire. There are street artists entertaining the audience and children demanding a penny for the guy. There are small back garden bonfires or big ones combined with fireworks displays and processions, e.g. in the town Lewes.
There are many fireworks displays across London on the 5th November. Check the whole list of places here. Go, celebrate and enjoy!
This blog entry is a part of World Blog Surf Day. This year’s topic is ‘Holidays & Celebrations – what is your favourite new holiday and how is it celebrated’.
For the next great post go to Czechmate Diary by Tanja.
Our Twitter reporter is Karen from Empty-Nest-Expat. Karen is an American expat blogger last seen in Prague. The Wall Street Journal said, “Her blog makes a fun read for anyone looking for reassurance that change can be a wonderful thing-and also for anyone interested in visiting the Czech Republic.”
Photo from Flickr by Dominic's pics
6 Comments
I used to love Guy Fawkes night when I was a child growing up in the UK. In particular the jacket potatoes and hot chocolate we always ate! I lived in York which was the home of Guy Fawkes. The local boys school which he attended doesn’t allow their students to celebrate – spoilsports!
I’ve heard about apples in chocolate on a stick but not about potatoes and hot chocolate! Thanks for your comment.
A local newspaper recently mentioned that Guy Fawkes night was still celebrated in some areas of Canada, including one city over on Vancouver Island, just a ferry ride away from where I live.
I had no idea this tradition existed over here! Must find out more…
Emmanuelle
Also, some people are surprised when reading about burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes. It’s a real tradition over here in London. I learnt about that last year when I was watching a Bonfire Night organized by Westway Development Trust in the gardens along the A40, just off Portobello Road.
In a lot of places in the UK they don’t burn “the guy” anymore, they have quietly deposed of that part of the ritual, may be because they have now catholic friends?
But the bonfire (great to get rid of your garden rubbish), the firework and the food and drink part are still strong going 
SY
PS My apologies to everybody that left already a comment on my WBSD contribution, I was forced to re-post it on another location and lost all your lovely comments *sniff-sniff*, SY
I posted a small blurb about 5/11 and linked back to you, since you featured this for WBSD
Surprisingly, I am pretty familiar with the basics of Guy Fawkes, the treason, the effigy burning: probably from the (British) books I read when young? I’ve not been in England during this time so have not had the opportunity to experience this day “live” but I bet it’s a lot of fun! 