Sunday, November 4, 2012

Guy Fawkes Day


(Google Image)
By Diane Forrest

I'm sure you remember the Occupation Wall Street event that took place last year.  Many protesters of big corporations gathered together to voice their complaints.  As a representative of the protests, they chose the figure of Guy Fawkes.  Guy Fawkes, as seen in the above pictures, was a rebel in 1605.  His name is synonymous with the famous Gun Powder Plot which threaten to destroy Parliament in England.  He was captured and held in the Tower of London for 4 days as they tried to get him to name his conspirators.  He refused, and was sentenced to be hung.  As the noose was placed around his neck - he jumped from the platform, breaking his neck.
(Google Image)
On 5 November 1605 Londoners were encouraged to celebrate the King's escape from assassination by lighting bonfires, "always provided that 'this testimony of joy be careful done without any danger or disorder'.
(Google Image)
Annual commemorations of the foiled plot began soon after, as reminders to defend England from other traitors, especially disloyal Catholics. Over time they became a day and night of fun and pranks, with bonfires, fireworks and the burning of children’s effigies of Fawkes. Today kids have swapped effigies for Halloween, leaving just Bonfire Night and its fireworks.
(Google Image)
Today is Guy Fawkes day, so if it is chilly outside, and you want to light a bonfire and burn a political representative in effigy, this would be a good year - to show your feelings for the candidate you are not in favor of.

(Google Image)

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