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