Thursday, November 5, 2009

Remember, Remember, the 5th of November

Happy Guy Fawkes Day! In November of 1605, a Catholic plot to blow up Parliament and King James I was thwarted. The group, including Guy Fawkes, stored gunpowder in a cellar under Parliament but was unsuccessful in their attempt after the plot was discovered. In the UK, it is traditional to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day with bonfires, burning an effigy of Guy and fireworks, and this well known verse:

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 Day is not celebrated much in the United States, although there are several celebrations on the East Coast or New England parts of the country. Calif Lorna celebrated in Southern California and It's All About Me (Karen) celebrated in Florida, check out their posts. So what about Las Vegas? Instead of a bonfire, we will try a mini one in our backyard firepit tonight with the kids. Don't forget to discuss safety tips for fires and fireworks! The kiddies can try their hands at some Bonfire Night crafts like making their own guy out of a paper bag and doll clothes. Smaller ones can try their hands at some coloring pages. Traditional foods for Bonfire Night include fire cooked foods such as foil wrapped potatoes, sausages and soup. Finish it off with a treacle toffee, and you have a great night!

How are other expats celebrating Guy Fawkes Day?

Thanks to the Sacramento Bee for the photo!

1 comment:

  1. It's a cinder toffee for me tonight, it's the one thing that reminds me of my Grandma on Bonfire night. It'll be a first time cinder toffee experience for my husband who is from Pittsburgh, he loves all of my British cooking.

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