Is 5^th November, otherwise known as Guy Fawkes Night, a religious statement and/or a celebration of terrorism? This author would describe its significance to the many British and those of British descent in other parts of the world as akin to Christmas celebrations in a certain sense. This is so as a great number of individuals see Christmas as a purely commercial holiday rather than any form of religious celebration and that is the link with Guy Fawkes Night which is seen as an excuse to get out of the family home and do something different and fun in the community.

So, why would participating in such an event as setting off fireworks and setting alight a bonfire be a religious statement and/or a celebration of terrorism? Briefly, events of the night between 4^th and 5^th November 1605 saw the failed attempt by a group of discontented Catholics, including one Guy Fawkes, to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London whilst the King was present with the aim of overthrowing the Protestant monarchy and ensuring the end of discrimination against the Catholic population of Britain.

Among those concerned to consider contemporary practices of burning a “guy”, an effigy of Guy Fawkes, on a bonfire are those who mistakenly suggest that Fawkes was sentenced to death by burning. In fact, bonfires were lit on 5^th November 1605 by supporters of the monarch in celebration of the news that he was still alive. It was not until some time later that “guys” or stuffed home made dummies were thrown onto the bonfire to be burnt.

It was much later again that fireworks began to be set off in addition to the traditional bonfire and although some see this practice as closely connected with the anticipated explosions to be caused in Parliament, this belief is incorrect. The days leading up to 5^th November often see children make their guys and push them around in wheelbarrows, calling at houses asking for “a penny for the guy”. If their requests are successful, the children will often buy fireworks or quite simply sweets with the collected money.

So, all in all, 5^th November, Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night, is generally a British tradition celebrated in a light-hearted manner and certainly not an expression of government opposition or religious hatred.

Do you have similar traditions in your country? If so, what are they? What do you think of this British early winter event?