posted November 05, 2009 03:56 PM         

I watched that V for Vendetta 2 days ago & the synchronism of that action didn't hit me until now.

I can be so oblivious at times, lol.

posted November 06, 2009 03:27 PM         

quote:

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This ignorant of Me? What do we celebrate?
Some person attempting to blow up government buildings?

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What with the throwing of the Guy onto the bonfire, I always thought it was a celebration of the fact that he didn't succeed; the few Americans I know who are familiar with the holiday, seem to think the opposite.

posted November 06, 2009 03:33 PM         

Traditional rhymes

Several traditional rhymes have accompanied the festivities. Sometimes 'God Save the king' can be replaced by 'God save the Queen' depending on who is on the throne.

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, t'was his intent
To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd (or by God's mercy*)
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Holloa boys, holloa boys, let the bells ring. (Holla*)
Holloa boys, holloa boys, God save the King!
And what should we do with him? Burn him!

these words are used in by Battle Bonfire Boyes who carry on the tradition of bonfire at their annual event in Sussex. They have the honour of the longest continuous Guy Fawkes bonfire celebrations in the world. The above traditional 'bonfire cry' is used at the society meeting immediately preceding the annual event, and prior to the lighting of the bonfire, and on other significant occasions.
In more common use the above 'bonfire cry' is occasionally altered with the last three lines (after "burning match") being supplanted by the following;

A traitor to the Crown by his action,
No parli'ment mercy from any faction,
His just end should'st be grim,
What should we do? Burn him!
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring,
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the King!

posted November 06, 2009 07:42 PM         

quote:

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personally always thought it was just a good excuse for a bonfire and party on a dreary november evening...dangerous as all get out, i knew several kids who got hurt with the home-made explosives...but a few chestnuts on the fire and a block party, 's all good really. better than running around playing pranks and collecting candy!

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That's all it was to me when I was a kid. I was just wondering why it was suddenly seen as a successful revolutionary act. Apparently, our version of Halloween, given the begging for money for the guy.

Why the sarcasm?

quote:

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You'll have to remind me. I'll never remember the 5th of November.

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Why would you remember in the first place? It isn't a holiday over here... I don't understand the attitude (well, I do if it's a snipe at me, considering your attitude where I'm concerned. If anyone else had posted the above, I doubt you would have responded at all).

posted November 20, 2009 06:06 PM         

We used to celebrate in our backyard as kids. It was fun. We couldn't wait till it got dark, then we'd all stand on the porch while dad lit the crackers and other fireworks.