Remember remember the 5th of November, gunpowder treason and plot.
This simple poem has been taught to us since we were young, but how many of us know the historical significance of bonfire night and what its value today?
Most people know that Guy Fawkes was caught beneath the houses of parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder, the reason why effigies of “Guy” are burnt on bonfires today, however many people miss the social aspects of why bonfire night was so important.
I spoke to lecturer in Early Modern European History Dr Suzanna Ivanic to find out some more.
She said: “Guy Fawkes and a group of Catholics were plotting against the protestant king was to blow up the houses of parliament on the day of the state opening. This would have killed the king, his family, and the whole institution. It was seen as an assault on democracy.”
At the time many social celebrations were being reformed to fit a protestant lifestyle, and so bonfire night was a perfect candidate to replace the former “saints’ days” that had once populated a catholic calendar.
The event was then celebrated every 5th of November to celebrate the stability of the monarchy, however in 1859 the Anniversary Days Observance act was repealed, and so it was no longer compulsory to participate in celebrations, however traditions stuck and so we still celebrate using bonfires and fireworks to this day.
Nowadays bonfire night has become more commercialised, with fireworks and festive treats like toffee apples being sold across the UK and large displays of fireworks being held, so it is little wonder that celebrations today are more detached from its origin.
Despite this we still indulge in the tradition of the festivities and enjoy ourselves all the same as we continue the tradition of bonfire night for many years to come.