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• Guy Fawkes Day is an annual celebration in The United Kingdom and some of its former colonies which commemorates the foiling of a Roman Catholic plot headed by Guy Fawkes to blow up the House of Commons in the early seventeenth century.

• Fast Facts

  1. Celebrated on November 5
  2. Also known as: Bonfire Night, Cracker Night and Fireworks Night
  3. Original incident occurred in 1605
  4. Guy Fawkes' plan is commonly referred to as the "Gunpowder Plot"
  5. Plot was intended to destroy Parliament and kill the Protestant King James I
  6. Incident inspired the film and graphic novel V For Vendetta

• Celebrations

  In 1605, upon hearing that a plot to assassinate their king had been foiled, Londoners lit bonfires in celebration. Bonfires remain a tradition on Guy Fawkes day and are often stoked with effigies of Guy Fawkes, the Pope and occasionally, other unpopular politicians. Elaborate fireworks displays have also become a standard of celebrations in many areas. Toffee apples, bonfire-baked potatoes, ginger cake and black beans with vinegar are among the dishes traditionally consumed on Guy Fawkes' night.

• Traditional Guy Fawkes' Night Rhyme

  • Remember, remember the fifth of November,
  • The gunpowder, treason and plot,
  • I know of no reason
  • Why gunpowder treason
  • Should ever be forgot
  • Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent
  • To blow up the King and Parliament.
  • Three score barrels of powder below,
  • Poor old England to overthrow;
  • By God’s providence he was catch’d
  • With a dark lantern and burning match.
  • Holloa boys, holloa boys, make the bells ring.
  • Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
  • Hip hip hoorah!

• Related Mahalo Pages

  James I of England | Guy Fawkes | Gunpowder Plot | V For Vendetta | How to Plan a Senior Skip Day

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