Remember, remember the fifth of November
"Remember, rememberthe fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot" - Thehistory of Guy Fawkesis something that people need to understand in order to see the whole picture of the celebration British people see as part and parcel of the British way of life. Guy Fawkes was born as long ago as 1570, though this man was to make an impact on the history of England, by being drawn into a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in the capital city of London.
While others were involved in the plot and don't have the same fame as Guy Fawkes, his expertise was explosives, which ties in nicely with the fireworks that British people use to remember the man. Arrested in the basement of the House of Lords just hours before the planned explosion, on 4th November, 1605, Guy Fawkes was sentenced to be "hung, drawn and quartered" for treason. These are the simple historic facts, though these tell the story which led to the beginning of celebrations on the 5th November each year.
So how do the British celebrate Guy Fawkes Night?
It really depends upon whether the celebration is based in a town or in the country. In a town, a bonfire is an organized affair and as soon as dark falls, a huge bonfire is lit and organized fireworks are let off in a display of color. Although, these days, people don't really seem to think of the history of the event, a national celebration of this kind is widespread. People like fireworks and these are a reminder of the events which happened all those years ago. An effigy of Guy Fawkes is usually placed upon the fire and is burned, though large town fires don't always feature this, since they are a distance away from the crowd.
In smaller towns and villages, the effort put into Guy Fawkes Night may require the participation of residents to help build up a fire in a centrally located place where the celebration will be held. There may indeed be a couple of fires, one smaller one to place food to cook, although the main event takes place when the larger fire is lit. The children will help to make the effigy which will usually take the form of old clothes stuffed with newspaper and a head made out of fabric with a hat placed on it. The Guy Fawkes may be wheeled through the village toward the bonfire and then be ceremoniously placed on the fire just at the time of lighting the fire.
Potatoes wrapped in silver foil can be placed in the bottom of the fire or chestnuts can be roasted. One thing for sure on a cold November's night is that children will enjoy their sparklers and write their names with the little flashing lights that emanate from them. It's traditional and it's fun.
Children and money
One of the bad sides of Bonfire Night is that it has given children the excuse to raise money illegally. Making an effigy of Guy Fawkes, children may stand outside railway stations or popular shops and expect financial reward for making a Guy Fawkes which is impressive. Since children of this age are not permitted to buy fireworks, it's unlikely that the money raised will be put to good use, though this is something that became popular among young people as an easy means of making money. The phrase that they use in a situation such as this is "Penny for the Guy!" and could be considered a little like the American "Trick or treat."
Safety concerns
In the old days, people lit bonfires in gardens. Some still do, though safety concerns have meant that many towns and villages have found it preferable to centralize the celebration for safety's sake. This is certainly a night when pets should be kept safely at home. There is mischief and fun though there are also dangers. Television adverts show thedangers of handling fireworksand the danger to pets, in order to remind people that "Bonfire Night" isn't fun for everyone. Age limits are set for the purchase of fireworks in an attempt to encourage safe handling. Thelaws are quite stricton firework use and permission to buy them.
Overall, Guy Fawkes Night is good family fun, although there are always dangers when fireworks are used, which is why more and more of these events are now organized by adults for people to enjoy from a distance. Guy Fawkes may not have managed to blow up the House of Lords, but he did leave a legacy for British people to enjoy to this day.
