Guy Fawkes

bonfire night

Ah, November 5th in Britain—a day when we Brits celebrate an odd combination of treason, fireworks, and questionable safety practices. Welcome to Guy Fawkes Night, or as we like to call it, “That Time a Guy Tried to Blow Up Parliament and Failed Spectacularly.”

 

then

Okay, before you think we’re all a bit mad, let me drop some history on you. Back in 1605, a bloke named Guy Fawkes decided he’d had enough of the government and thought the best way to express his feelings was with a barrel of gunpowder. Unfortunately for Guy, his plan went up in smoke—literally—and he was caught before he could blow up the Houses of Parliament. What followed was a trial, an execution that’s not exactly dinner table conversation, and the start of a tradition where we burn an effigy of the poor chap every year. Because why let bygones be bygones when you can roast them on a bonfire instead?

a ditty

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The following year, the King, who clearly had a flair for drama, gave a speech about why we should never forget this fiery little incident. Thus, the “Gunpowder Plot Sermons” were born, along with a catchy poem:

Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason, and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder and treason
Should ever be forgot.

Catchy, right? Almost makes you want to start your own rebellion… or at least light a sparkler.

Now

Each year, kids in England make an effigy of Guy Fawkes and parade it around, asking for a “penny for the guy”—though these days, inflation has hit hard, and you might need to shell out a bit more. Then, on November 5th, we take these “guys” and set them atop a massive bonfire, cheering as they go up in flames. Yes, it sounds a bit gruesome, but hey, we Brits know how to have a good time with our dark history. And let’s be honest, any excuse to light fireworks, eat toffee apples, and gather around a giant fire is a win in my book.

So, here’s to Guy Fawkes Night—a holiday that’s as weird as it is wonderful. May your bonfires be big, your fireworks be loud, and your toffee apples sticky. Happy Days and Stay Safe my fellow Brits