What does the 5th of November have in common with July the 4th?

Loads of fireworks that’s what!

Today is the 5th of November.  This is the night celebrated by people all across Great Britain.   Celebrations tonight will include firework displays public and private, huge bonfires all over towns and small children creating and carrying around small dolls resembling a man with a hat and a beard.

Why the big celebration?

Well in 1605 there was a group of conspirators who hatched a plan to blow up parliament while it was in session, with the King present.  What was the problem?  They let too many people in on their secret and it was discovered and Guy Fawks captured, sentenced, hung, drawn and quartered and burned  Oh my.  :O

That is the way treasoners were delt with in those days.  That is why so many bonfires will be lit tonight.  Small figures of Guy will be burned on top.

Well here is a video that is educational, crazy, fun to watch and explains it much better than I ever could.

So, since the fireworks went on sale a month ago and have been flying off of the shelves I am sure it will be a noisy night.  The fireworks began popping in back gardens all around our town about two weeks ago.

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!

Well these Americans are sure learning a lot about history, the good bad and the ugly this year in Britain.  Cheers and Happy Guy Fawks Day….I think..

Beth