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, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent
To blow up the King and Parli'ment.
Three-score barrels of powder below
To prove old England's overthrow;
By God's providence he was catch'd
With a dark lantern and burning match.
Hulloa boys, Hulloa boys, let the bells ring.
Hulloa boys, hulloa boys, God save the King!
On the Fifth of November, in the year 1605, Sir Thomas Knyvet made his way to the cellars underneath Parliament where he was about to make a fateful discovery. Only days earlier, a Lord had received an anonymous letter warning him to stay away, that Parliament would receive a 'terrible blow.' When King James I got wind of this letter, he sent Knyvet to investigate. There, he found Guy Fawkes guarding 36 barrels of gunpowder. Clearly, he meant business.
Fawkes had been one of a small group of English Catholics who had plotted to blow up Parliament and assassinate the Protestant King James I, in hopes of installing his nine-year-old daughter Elizabeth as a Catholic monarch. The plot failed, and Fawkes paid for high treason with his life: he was hanged, drawn, and quartered. But most importantly, the King's life was saved by the divine providence of God. Ever since, England has been celebrating.
Every year on November 5th, towns across England celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with displays of fireworks and giant bonfires. One such celebration occurred here at Oxford's South Park, complete with a carnival (including rides, food stands, and karaoke).
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| Guy Fawkes Night Carnival |
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| Guy Fawkes Night Carnival |
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| Guy Fawkes Night Carnival |
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| WEE! |
I used to go on this ride with my sister all the time when I was a kid. EVERY TIME I would be the one to get squished. This time was no different.
After exploring some of the rides, we headed over to the food area where we could get a better view of the fireworks. The show was supposed to begin at 6:45 PM, but didn't get started until 7:10 or so. The wait was completely worth it, as it turned out to be one of the best firework shows I've ever seen. My camera has a setting for fireworks, so I tried to capture some of these moments.
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| Guy Fawkes Night Fireworks |
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| Guy Fawkes Night Fireworks |
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| Guy Fawkes Night Fireworks |
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| Guy Fawkes Night Fireworks |
The fireworks ended with a BANG (unlike Parliament), and the whole park erupted with applause. The show was truly spectacular; however, the most exciting event of the evening was yet to come.
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| The Wicker Man: Before |
This giant wicker effigy stood over 10 meters tall, and was just dying to get torched! This photo is number 666 on my camera, by the way. Coincidence? I think not!
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| The Wicker Man: The Flame Begins |
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| The Wicker Man: Fully Alight |
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| The Wicker Man: A Demon |
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| The Wicker Man and Bonfire |
As you can see, as the flames enveloped the effigy, the wicker charred and it took on a wholly demonic appearance. It was both beautiful and terrifying. What a show!
Unfortunately, I had to leave soon after the bonfire was lit in order to get back to my work, but I had a marvelous time. Considering how fun the night was, I would highly recommend that the United States develop a few holidays to celebrate the failed assassinations of our nation's leaders. Richard Lawrence Night, anyone?
Good night.
Alyce
Great entry! Nothing like a blazing, demonic wickerman to highlight a celebration!
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