For almost 400 years, bonfires have burned on November 5th to mark
the failed Gunpowder Plot.
The tradition of Guy Fawkes-related bonfires actually began the very
same year as the failed coup. The Plot was foiled in the night between
the 4th and 5th of November 1605. Already on the 5th, agitated Londoners
who knew little more than that their King had been saved, joyfully lit
bonfires in thanksgiving. As years progressed, however, the ritual
became more elaborated.
Soon, people began placing effigies onto bonfires, and fireworks were
added to the celebrations. Effigies of Guy Fawkes, and sometimes those
of the Pope, graced the pyres. Still today, some communities throw
dummies of both Guy Fawkes and the Pope on the bonfire (and even those
of a contemporary politician or two), although the gesture is seen by
most as a quirky tradition, rather than an expression of hostility
towards the Pope.
Preparations for Bonfire Night celebrations include making a dummy of
Guy Fawkes, which is called "the Guy". Some children even keep up an
old tradition of walking in the streets, carrying "the Guy" they have
just made, and beg passersby for "a penny for the Guy." The kids use
the money to buy fireworks for the evening festivities.
On the night itself, Guy is placed on top of the bonfire, which is
then set alight; and fireworks displays fill the sky.
The extent of the celebrations and the size of the bonfire varies
from one community to the next. Lewes, in the South East of England,
is famous for its Bonfire Night festivities and consistently attracts
thousands of people each year to participate.
Bonfire Night is not only celebrated in Britain. The tradition crossed
the oceans and established itself in the British colonies during the
centuries. It was actively celebrated in New England as"Pope Day" as
late as the 18th century. Today, November 5th bonfires still light up
in far out places like Newfoundland in Canada, and some areas in New
Zealand.
