A Penny for the Guy...

[mcroft]

Remember, remember
The fifth of November
The Gunpowder Treason and plot

I know of no reason
The Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot

On this date 399 years ago, the British government foiled a plot to blow up the houses of parliament by a small group of radical Catholics. The anniversary has been celebrated for many years as a public holiday involving bizarrerites (such as running through town carrying a barrel of flaming tar) and, in some quarters, wistfulness.

Make of it what you will, and Happy Gunpowder Treason Day!

Comments

[brenda-mccart.livejournal.com]

You just sparked long lost memories. When I was a kid, a neighbor of ours (his wife was British) always had a big party on that day - lots of alcohol, big bonfire and a burning of a leaf-stuffed scarecrow while all shouted "Long live the King." We kids mostly just toasted hot dogs and marshmallows and watched the grown-ups act like idiots. What fun!

[mrkamikaze.livejournal.com]

Guy Fawkes Day!!!

http://www.bonefire.org/guy

[goldfired.livejournal.com]

I'm typing this in what sounds like a war zone with loud bangs and lights flashing overhead. The cats are in hiding ... but have both been located so that they could look at me reproachfully.

But, yes, it's a great day. We're still celebrating the foiling of a terrorist plot four hundred years old!

[mcroft.livejournal.com]

My coworker from Yorkshire says "it's more of a southern holiday..."