Remember, remember the 5th of November
JOBURG – Who knows what Guy Fawkes Day is actually about?
South Africa will have colourful fireworks in the skies tonight, 5 November, as people celebrate Guy Fawkes Day.
According to the Gun Powder Plot Society website Guy Fawkes Day or as it was originally known as ‘Bonfire Night’ in 1605, marks the day when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was seized for guarding explosions that were set under the House of Lords in Britain in an attempt to assassinate King James 1.
People celebrated the fact that King James I had survived the attempt on his life by lighting bonfires in the streets.
Throughout the years bonfires and explosions were banned by the monarchy and quickly became a celebration for the lower classes.
Some songs synonymous with Guy Fawkes are:
Don’t you Remember,
The Fifth of November,
‘Twas Gunpowder Treason Day,
I let off my gun,
And made’em all run.
And Stole all their Bonfire away. ( The Stations of the Sun: A History of the Ritual Year in Britain by Ronald Hutton )
A South African twist was in 1899, when an effigy or a representation of then leader Paul Kruger, was burned.
It also marks the day during the Second Boer War, where the SS Asian sailed to South Africa.
According to The Baker Boys a book by Clinton Mhic Aonghais, the 10th prince of Wales Own Royal Hasser, left the ship in Cape Town.
As South Africa was once belonged to the Common Wealth, the day is celebrated.
It has lost much of its historical origin and has been replaced with loud, bright and colourful fireworks.
In recent times numerous by-laws and animal protection laws are enforced.
Due to this many community members choose not to celebrate Guy Fawkes for fear of frightening animals, fire hazards and danger to children.
What are your thoughts on Guy Fawkes?
Should we still celebrate this day?
Has it become a cultural celebration?
