Bon Fire Night

NOW THIS I KNOW ....... been to a few Bon Fire and loved it!! Though not the part where they dope the dogs so that the dogs will not get scared. My last Bon Fire ... they dressed the guy up looking like Osama Bin Ladin. Remember that Trish?? They burn the guy reallllllllll good too!!

Fireworks and bonfires celebrate of the failure of a historic plot
Guy Fawkes, called Bonfire Night, is a uniquely British festival that combines commemoration of a historic (some would say controversially so) event with bonfire celebrations that reach back to the Celtic harvest festival of Samhain.

Though not a UK National Holiday Bonfire Night is a deep seated tradition and is marked by public and private fireworks displays and huge public bonfires all over the UK. In fact, many people say that November 5th, Bonfire Night, is the smokiest night in the realm.

Remember, remember, the 5th of NovemberThe historic origins of Guy Fawkes date to the conflict between virtually outlawed Catholics and the Protestant establishment of the 16th and early 17th century. On November 5, 1605, Guy Fawkes and a group of Catholic conspirators were captured in the act of trying to blow up Parliament with barrels of gunpowder when the Protestant King James I was present. The Gunpowder Plot, sometimes contentiously referred to as "The Papish Plot" was foiled. Some believe the whole episode was a stitch-up but it did serve to inflame anti-Catholic sentiments in Britain for at least a century.

The Fire FestivalsThe date of the Gunpowder Plot coincided with the end of the English harvest season, traditionally marked with festivals. The fireworks that are now a firm part of Guy Fawkes are, no doubt, an ironic reminder of the barrels of gunpowder, but the huge bonfires - some with flames leaping 12 meters high - probably reflect ancient seasonal traditions once part of Samhain.

Guy Fawkes TraditionsMany of the celebration's traditions have changed with the times. The sectarian element, for the most part, has faded. The "guy" and effigy of Guy Fawkes, is still usually thrown on the bonfire but an effigy of the 17th century Pope rarely is. Today people of all persuasions come out for the fun of huge public fireworks displays and for the primal thrill of watching a really big bonfire.

As recently as 20 years ago, groups of children, with their stuffed "guys" begging for "A Penny for the Guy?" were a common sight on many street corners. The pennies were meant to buy fire crackers. Since children can no longer buy fireworks in most places and private fireworks displays are, in general, on the decline, this is now rare.

People used to stick sausages on sticks into the bonfire and roast potatoes on the coals. Nowadays people are more conscious of health and safety and getting that close to the huge bonfires is prevented by barriers at most public events. But sausages and potatoes or bangers and mash remain a popular Guy Fawkes supper.