Obviously I know the real reason, I think most people know that the 5th of Novemeber is what we call 'Bonfire night' here in the UK but I'm interested in what our foreign cousins think the reason is. just a bit of fun to see how wild the Chinese whispers have been.
Umm, back when the great American fireworks holiday, Independence Day - July 4, 1776, was initiated news traveled slower. I am guessing news left America on a slow boat to China on July 5 which picked up fireworks and got to the UK by Nov 4. Word of the American holiday was greeted with "Jolly good, let's give it a go tomorrow night!". Am I close? I had a number of guesses but that was my best one.
Oh..I remember... The 5th of November 1489, the little Harry Stevenson (1481-1538) was on his way from Sudbury, Suffolk to Colchester when, that day, he met a person who will change his life forever. indeed, the vision he had that day was not just a coincidence, but a real... Well, that day...
Bonfire Night : the infamous Gunpowder Plot took place in which some Catholics plotted to blow up the English Parliament and King James l, the day set for the king to open Parliament. The men were angry because the king had treated them badly and they didn't like it. The story is remembered each November 5Th "The KingDom"
I belive that after several weeks of constipation that almost took the Queen's life, that on the morning of November 5th she finally relieved herself and that night, with the entire country relieved, you lads and lasses celebrated.
Guy Faukes (think thats how you spell the 2nd name). He went to blow up the buildings of Parliament. I'm from Scotland though, so I know... Remember, remember the 5th of November. Anyone seen V for Vendetta?
Remember, remember... It's time to see V for Vendetta again. I just hope my hddvd player gets here tomorrow.
Sad isn't it? Unlike our American cousins (and loads of other countries) we haven't had a colonial yoke to throw off. And unlike the French and the Russians we haven't (yet) had the pleasure of rounding up our Royal Family and executing them. Consequently all we're left with for a national day is to celebrate the fact that a Catholic plot to assasinate a Protestant king DIDN'T succeed.
the real reason? ha ha ha you dont even know it's name "Guy Faukes night" nope, the powder was wet so they changed the barrels and got chased when someone looked in them and said, "they aint King Edwards spuds" Henry the 8th treated them bad, by the time of James I they had enough and planned the plot, but ran for cover, and got caught in a farm house, but because gun powder was new at that time, they didnt have a clue about it, and when surrounded by the Kings men, and the powder was wet, they poured it out infront of the log fire to dry, so they can shoot their way out to freedom. boom WTF was that some said as they ran out the farm house to a hail of musket shot. yes we have, we chopped off more royal heads of state than any other nation. ask Henry the 8th
Has to be something British, right. Also has to be something significant and important - neither of the Beckhams fall in that category.
Yup Guy Fawkes ; Guy Fawkes was taken to the Tower of London where he was held until he and his fellow conspirators were tried for high treason at Westminster Hall on 27 January 1606. All were found guilty and sentenced to execution on 31 January 1606
Wouldn't really have been a point in starting the thread if I'd said it was about Guy Fawkes (correct spelling) and the actual term IS bonfire night not Guy Fawkes night.
Technically his wives weren't Heads of State so they don't count. The only time we did it 'for real' was on 30th January 1649 when Parliament executed King Charles I. (Maybe THAT should be our national day.) Next time we won't let them back in ... "The office of the King in this nation is unnecessary, burdensome and dangerous to the liberty, society and public interest of the people." (Declaration of the Council of State announcing the abolishment of the Monarchy on 6th February 1649)