Guy Fawkes Day

Remember, remember! The 5th of November!

Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated on the 5th of November in Great Britian. This day is also known as Guy Fawkes night or Bonfire night.
There is a celebration of the failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assasinate King James I in 1605. Guy Fawkes was the man responsible for lighting the gunpowder, who 
was arrested and killed. 
After his arrest, the King allowed people to burn bonfires in support of his survival against the assassination plot. Today 
this holiday is celebrated enthusiastically. There is a display of fireworks, effigies of politicians are lit and adults happily 
rejoice while consuming traditional mulled wine.

Poems are recited on this evening, dating back as far as 1857. Below is an example of the traditional verses.


 English Folk Verse (c.1870)
            The Fifth of November

    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 and his companions
    Did the scheme contrive,
    To blow the King and Parliament
    All up alive.
    Threescore barrels, laid below,
    To prove old England's overthrow.
    But, by God's providence, him they catch,
    With a dark lantern, lighting a match!
    A stick and a stake
    For King James's sake!
    If you won't give me one,
    I'll take two,
    The better for me,
    And the worse for you.
    A rope, a rope, to hang the Pope,
    A penn'orth of cheese to choke him,
    A pint of beer to wash it down,
    And a jolly good fire to burn him.
    Holloa, boys! holloa, boys! make the bells ring!
    Holloa, boys! holloa boys! God save the King!
    Hip, hip, hooor-r-r-ray!